In a move critics say is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration “crushing free speech”, all podcasters in Canada will now be required to register with the government.
The new law will ensure that all online services with audio or video content — including social media – that meet a revenue threshold are registered.
The CRTC said Friday, September 29 the decision is meant to modernise Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensure online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content.
“We are developing a modern broadcasting framework that can adapt to changing circumstances. To do that, we need broad engagement and robust public records,” Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC said.
Deadline for registration
The law, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says, also applies to radio stations that live-stream online and podcast services.
The CRTC is also setting out which online streaming services need to provide information about their activities in Canada.
“Online streaming services that operate in Canada, offer broadcasting content, and earn $10 million or more in annual revenues will need to complete a registration form by November 28, 2023,” the commission says in its website.
Canada’s tough conditions for podcasters
The commission will also be setting conditions for online streaming services to operate in Canada.
These conditions took effect immediately and require certain online streaming services to provide the CRTC with information related to their content and subscribership.
The decision also requires those services to make content available in a way that is not tied to a specific mobile or internet service.
“A third consultation is ongoing. It considers contributions traditional broadcasters and online streaming services will need to make to support Canadian and Indigenous content,” the commission added.
Quick facts
- Social media services must register; however, users do not.
- Online services that offer podcasts must register; however, individuals who use social media to share podcasts do not.
- Online services that only provide video game services or audiobooks do not have to register.
- A list of registered services will be published on the CRTC’s website.
Critics worry
But critics worry the move is just the government’s latest attempt to control what Canadians are able to see and hear online.
“Not a f**king chance You censorial Scumrat,” Dr. Jordan Peterson said on X, while tagging PM Trudeau.
