Law Bytes Episode 254: Looking Back at the Year in Canadian Digital Law and Policy
13 snips
Dec 22, 2025 The year in Canadian digital law saw significant upheaval due to political shifts in Canada and the U.S. Policies like the digital services tax faced reversal, and privacy reforms stalled. AI regulations shifted focus from strict oversight to promoting adoption. Major privacy rulings emerged, highlighting privacy challenges with tech giants. Amidst budget constraints and trade negotiations, Canadian digital policy evolved rapidly, impacting everything from lawful access to internet harms legislation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Privacy Reform Left On Hold
- Privacy reform stalled when Bill C-27 died and no immediate replacement was introduced, leaving PIPEDA outdated.
- Michael Geist flags concern that privacy may be deprioritized under the new ministerial structure and AI-focused leadership.
Prepare For Lawful Access Revival
- Watch for lawful access to return as standalone or revised legislation despite initial removal from border bills.
- Stay engaged with consultations because behind-the-scenes compromises are already being developed and will reemerge in 2026.
Privacy Measures Hidden Across Bills
- The government quietly inserted privacy-impacting measures across multiple bills (C-4, C-8, C-15) instead of a single sweeping privacy act.
- Those scattered moves complicate oversight and may weaken comprehensive privacy reform.