The chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Regulatory Authority, under the proposed power, has an algorithm on platforms such as YouTube to make Canadian music easier to find. You may be asked to "manipulate" online streaming invoices.
Ian Scott tells the Senate Committee, which is considering the bill, that the Canadian Radio and Television Communications Commission does not want to manipulate the algorithm itself, but could tell the platform: Said. Produces specific results.
His remarks were confiscated by critics of the online streaming bill. They say it confirms that they have warned.
Matthew Hatfield of OpenMedia said Scott's remarks confirmed "what we've been saying all the time." OpenMedia is an organization dedicated to keeping the Internet open. It's primarily funded by individuals, but it gets some funding from Google, which the parent company also owns YouTube.
YouTube says that if the government forces digital platforms to promote Canadian content, Canadian digital creators, including influencers and streamers, could lose foreign revenuesIs warned.
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 certain content over other content. The law has allowed it to do so. "
Geist said this could allow Canadian creators to downgrade content globally, reducing revenue and exposure. rice field.
However,Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguezpublicly 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."
"The Government has asked CRTC to work with the platform to introduce content so that more Canadians can find, select, and enjoy content from Canadian artists and creators. "Masu," said 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 and CRTC declined to comment.
This report by Canadian Press was first published on June 24, 2022.
