Canadian 'Internet Regulation' Bill C-10 Sparks Concerns From Content Creators And Free Speech Advocates

In November 2020, Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault introduced Bill C-10, known as the "Internet Regulation" bill, to parliament. The bill aims to give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada's government body in charge of regulating broadcasts, further regulatory control over what content is recommended by streaming services and online broadcasters. Namely, the CRTC wants these broadcasters to recommend more Canadian content through their platforms.

C-10 received the ire of free speech advocates and conservative voices almost immediately, including law professor Michael Geist, who wrote a scathing piece about it on his website.

Here is why I think this govt is the most anti-Internet we’ve seen: the @S_Guilbeault online harms bill will target all content anywhere if available in Canada with blocking orders and mandated takedowns within 24 hours. No public consult on the bill. 1/5 https://t.co/mcfjOKo5Bz

— Michael Geist (@mgeist) April 16, 2021

In February, Bill C-10 was moved to the committee study phase, where it's been changed a number of times. On April 23rd, Liberal MP Julie Dabrusin proposed the removal of a section of C-10 protecting social media platforms from CRTC regulation, a step too far for many. One of the main worries is how this might affect individual social media influencers and content creators and their ability to make and monetize content. Many also expressed concerns about this change overstepping Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Keep up the heat, keep up the pressure. The job’s not done with this horrible bill. Read & RT #cdnpoli #c10 #stopc10https://t.co/CxWFMmSJQL

— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) May 6, 2021

Bill C-10 is another power grab by this government, it’s an infringement of every Canadian’s right to free speech. https://t.co/ozXcPUgS8W

— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) May 11, 2021

When does internet following and therefore content uploaded by an individual make someone a ‘broadcaster’ to be regulated by CRTC? ⁦ https://t.co/H89e1iclqn

— Jody Wilson-Raybould 王州迪 Vancouver Granville (@Puglaas) May 9, 2021

The Prime Minister refuses to come clean on how Bill C-10 is designed to give government the powers to regulate what online content Canadians can post and access.

This is unacceptable in our free society. https://t.co/9aQ8N6YVjK

— Michael Barrett (@MikeBarrettON) May 6, 2021

The exact details of Bill C-10 have been vague at best, with some users accusing Guilbeault of flip-flopping during a recent interview on CTV’s Question Period, saying at one point that the CRTC could step in on accounts with over 1 million followers after already stating it would only affect accounts that have a direct impact on the Canadian economy. The Liberal Party recently voted to close discussion on the bill, a move lead by Dabrusin.