The Trudeau government’s recently passed Online Streaming Act is moving into its next phase of regulation by requiring podcasters to register with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The government claims the regulation will “ensure online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content.”
But critics worry the move is just the Liberal government’s latest attempt to control what Canadians are able to see and hear online.
“The CRTC now wants to regulate podcasts,” said the Toronto Sun’s Brian Lilley. “Here is my simple message to them. Go to hell.”
CRTC’s announcement states that podcasters meeting certain criteria “need to provide information about their activities in Canada.”
Online streaming services operating in Canada that offer audio or video content that generate $10 million or more in annual revenues must complete a registration form by November 28.