Act won't police user content: minister
The heritage minister says he is open to reviewing substantive amendments to a bill meant to regulate online streaming, after a Commons committee pointed out industry experts disagree on whether the legislation will cover user-generated content.
“I was born with an open mind, so of course, I have an open mind on this,” Pablo Rodriguez said. “I cannot say at this moment, yes I would agree or disagree on... an amendment I have never read ... On the general principle, we are open.”
Rodriguez made the remarks on the legislation aimed at modernizing the Broadcasting Act before Tuesday's hearing of the standing committee on transport and communications.
Bill C-11 is meant to require online streaming giants like Youtube and Tiktok to contribute to the creation and availability of Canadian content like music, film and television.
Tech giants are fighting the bill, arguing it will harm the livelihoods of users who earn money from streaming platforms and could force the companies to rethink the algorithms it uses in Canada.
Several senators have qualms too. Sen. Michael Macdonald pointed out Tuesday that the standing committee has heard from experts concerned that creators will be regulated.
Sen. Pamela Wallin added the CRTC'S commissioner previously appeared before the committee alongside legal counsel to confirm the bill would give his agency authority over user-generated content.
“What they argued was, `It wouldn't be in anybody's interest to do it, so just trust us, we won't regulate user-generated content,' but again, twice they confirmed they have actual regulatory authority to do that,” she said.
Wallin added she has even heard from a creator who finds the legislation so confusing and unclear that she will move to the U.S. to escape it.
She and Macdonald questioned Rodriguez on whether he would step up to make changes to the bill, but he offered no commitment because he said the legislation won't cover user-generated content.
“The bill is quite simple. It is about platforms, it is not about users,” he said.
“There is no obligation for the creator. The obligation is only for the platform, not the creator.”