Beyond Borders: Government Grants Itself Powerful Access To Data, Reduced Oversight

Canada's proposed Bill C-2 (or the Strong Borders Act) will overhaul key aspects of Canada's lawful access regime; namely, the circumstances in which law enforcement and governmental agencies can both compel the production of information and other data and impose related gag orders. These changes will have far-reaching implications for both businesses operating in Canada and civil liberties.

The lawful access provisions within Bill C-2, introduced June 3, 2025, create "information demands" and orders that can be issued to any provider of services to the public (including telecommunication companies, banks, hotels, rental car companies, streaming services and other online platforms) and — despite the title of the Act — the exercise of these powers is not limited to matters of border security or illegal drugs.