Streaming Bill Regulating Netflix, Amazon And Co In Canada Becomes Law
deadline.comCanada has brought its Online Streaming Act into law after years of heated debate. The key impact of Bill C-11 is that streamers such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ will now be regulated by similar laws to those overseeing the country’s networks.
In practice, the streaming services are now required to “contribute to the creation and availability of Canadian stories and music” and “pay their fair share in supporting Canadian artists, just like traditional broadcasters,” as per government bill guidelines issued last year.
Canadian networks are compelled to hit certain quotas to fulfil terms of their licenses. Should streamers fail to comply, local regulator the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) can impose fines and other penalties.
The bill passed a final hurdle in the Senate yesterday and received royal assent, meaning it is now Canadian law. The new law has created passionate supporters and detractors since Justin Trudeau’s government first introduced the plan, with YouTube among the organizations to voice disapproval from a business perspective.
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