Article author:
Canadian Press
Marie Woolf
Ottawa — The Chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Regulatory Authority Platforms such as YouTube, under the authority of the proposed online streaming bill, "manipulate" the algorithm to make it easier to find Canadian music.
Ian Scott told the Senate Committee, which is considering the bill, that the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission does not want to manipulate the algorithm itself, but the platform says: He said he could tell. It is the (algorithm) that produces the specific result.
His remarks were confiscated by critics of the online streaming bill. Critics say they have confirmed that they have warned.
Matthew Hatfield of OpenMedia said he confirmed Scott's remarks "what we have been saying all the time." OpenMedia is an organization dedicated to keeping the Internet open. It's mostly funded by individuals, but it's funded by Google, which the parent company also owns YouTube.
YouTube warns that Canadian digital creators, including influencers and streamers, could lose foreign revenue if the government forces digital platforms to promote Canadian content.
This is because the algorithm crosses national borders. If you don't like or don't like Canadian songs presented to YouTube viewers in Canada, it may indicate that they aren't popular. As a result, it may be downgraded worldwide.
This bill updates Canadian broadcast laws applicable to platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, making Canadian content such as music, movies, and television shows more "discoverable." Forces you to take action.
Michael Geist, chairman of the University of Ottawa's Canadian Internet Law Research Committee, said it has long been clear that these rules require algorithmic manipulation.
"Sure, that's why so many Canadian digital creators have expressed concern about the bill and the harm it can cause," he said.
"The CRTC chair indirectly says that the government cannot do it directly by manipulating the algorithm by putting pressure on the platform to prioritize specific content. The law has allowed others to do so. ”
Geist said this could allow Canadian creators to downgrade content globally, reducing revenue and exposure. Said there is.
However, Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez publicly states that the bill will not require the platform to manipulate the algorithm.
On Thursday, his spokesman emphasized that the government's position has not changed, noting that some of Bill C-11 explicitly excludes algorithmic manipulation. The provisions of the bill would prevent the CRTC from issuing orders requiring "use of specific computer algorithms or source code."
"Government works with the platform to introduce content so that more Canadians can find, select and enjoy content from Canadian artists and creators. We ask CRTC to do this, "says Laura Scaffidi.
"It's up to the platform to decide how to best achieve these goals."
Scott is conducting a preliminary bill investigation Wednesday evening with Transport. He spoke when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Communications.
This week's online streaming bill has passed the House of Commons and will be scrutinized by the Senate.
In his opening remarks to the Commission, Scott stated that the CRTC was "greatly in favor" of the bill, but with some amendments, including one that would allow the dispute to continue to be resolved. Hope to be done.
YouTube, Spotify, CRTC declined to comment.
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