The Cabinet has rejected a Senate amendment to Bill C-11 related to user-generated content. C-11 is a controversial law from the Liberal Party aimed at regulating certain areas of the Internet in Canada.
The Senate-proposed amendments to the bill were intended to protect user-generated content on social media and open creator platforms such as YouTube from the regulatory powers of Canada’s Radio and Television Communications Commission (CRTC).
But Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez wrote in the notice of motion On March 7, the government said it would reject the amendment. The reason for this is that it “affects the Governor’s ability to consult publicly with the CRTC and issue policy directives for proper consideration of the regulation of social media services regarding the distribution of social media services.” is. commercial program. “
Rodriguez also wrote that the proposed amendments would prevent Canada’s broadcasting system from “adapting to technological changes over time.”
Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act, amends the Broadcast Act to give the CRTC regulatory authority over online platforms such as Netflix and Spotify, requiring it to contribute to Canada’s content regulations or impose severe penalties. Let’s face it.
The Senate passed the bill on February 2 after 26 amendments, many of which the Liberal government has now rejected.
criticism
Bill C-11 has been criticized by numerous online stakeholders and advocacy groups.
Representatives of online streaming giants such as Spotify and Disney have testified before the Senate Communications Committee that the bill defines Canadian content too narrowly, and the U.S. federal government has voiced a similar opinion.
U.S. Trade Representative Catherine Tai said in November 2022 that she feared the bill would “discriminate” against U.S. businesses, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement to the Canadian Press in January. expressed similar concerns.
Internet advocacy group OpenMedia, which previously had a representative testify before the Senate Communications Committee on Bill C-11, has also expressed concern about the pending bill.
“Promoting Canadian content is a worthy purpose, but it should not be achieved by subverting content choices.” written by the organization February 15th.
open media Twitter on March 7th He said he was “stunned and outraged” by the federal government’s rejection of the Senate amendment to C-11 on user-generated content.
Rodriguez said on February 2 that Building C-11 is a necessary step to give Canadian artists and content creators a “level playing field” against US-based media producers and organizations. said.
“I want this bill to strengthen our system.” He said.
“We want a modern bill,” Rodriguez added. “Things change and evolve and bills must adapt to reality.”