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Canada, historically celebrated for its internet freedom, is undergoing significant regulatory changes with the introduction of Bill C-11, commonly referred to as the Online Streaming Act. This legislation is designed to bolster the presence of Canadian content in the digital sphere. While the intention behind Bill C-11 is to foster the growth of Canadian content online, it's important to note that the CRTC (Canada's broadcast media regulator) will soon have the authority to influence the recommendations made on your preferred streaming platforms.
But Bill C-11 isn't the only new piece of legislation that is limiting Canadian's online freedom. The implementation of Canada's C-18 Bill has prompted Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, to cease the publication of Canadian news content. This decision aims to circumvent the obligation of paying fees every time they share links to Canadian news sources or showcase their content.
Looking to continue enjoying your favorite content without any location-based restrictions? If you're in Canada, utilizing a VPN can be the solution. For Canadian users, we suggest NordVPN, a top-notch VPN service renowned for its high-speed servers, robust security features, and exceptional content unblocking capabilities.
In recent developments, Bills C-11 and C-18 have bestowed significant authority upon the Canadian government, particularly the CRTC, in influencing the digital content accessible to citizens. This heightened level of control extends across various online domains, including news, streaming services, and media platforms, potentially limiting Canadians' access to impartial news and unbiased media sources.
What is Bill C-18?
Bill C-18, also known as the Online News Act, represents a significant legislative development in Canada. This framework outlines a crucial step toward establishing fair compensation agreements between digital giants such as Google and Meta and Canadian news websites. The objective is to ensure that these tech giants compensate news sites for the journalistic content shared on their platforms.
At its core, Bill C-18 introduces a last-resort bargaining framework between digital platforms and media outlets. Simultaneously, it encourages voluntary commercial agreements between these entities, fostering a cooperative environment outside the legislative framework. The goal is to create a balanced negotiation platform between dominant digital news intermediaries and the news outlets responsible for creating the content.
This legislation, introduced in 2022, emerges in response to a longstanding decline in news advertisement revenue. It takes inspiration from Australia's News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, which permits eligible news businesses to negotiate payment terms individually or collectively with digital platforms for the inclusion of news on these platforms and services, as outlined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Bill C-18 has been enacted by the Canadian federal government with the aim of revitalizing the struggling Canadian news industry. Over time, this industry has faced dwindling subscriptions and declining ad revenues, with profits increasingly favoring large tech companies. This legislation seeks to restore a more equitable balance in the ecosystem, ultimately benefitting the Canadian news industry.
See this video from CBC for an in-depth explanation:
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a powerful technology that enhances online security and privacy. It achieves this by employing robust encryption and routing your internet traffic through secure servers, thereby masking your data and providing a new IP address that conceals your true location. In the context of overcoming online censorship, NordVPN is an excellent choice, not just within Canada but globally, as it empowers users to access their preferred news and media content without geographical restrictions.
What's more, our exclusive partnership with NordVPN offers you an exceptional deal, allowing you to use this top-rated VPN on all your compatible devices. Additionally, NordVPN is steadfast in upholding a strict No Logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain confidential and untraceable while connected to their servers. This commitment extends to situations where even if compelled by Canadian authorities, NordVPN would have no data to disclose. Your online privacy is effectively safeguarded.
To decide for yourself, check our Best VPN of 2023 article and pick the provider that is most suitable for your needs.
NordVPN: Best VPN for Canada
NordVPN stands out as the premier VPN choice for Canada, and here's why: Firstly, its pricing structure is exceptionally competitive, commencing at just $3.29 per month for annual plans, with monthly options starting at $12.99 per month. Opting for long-term plans offers even greater value, and NordVPN provides peace of mind with a 30-day money-back guarantee and the flexibility of a 7-day free trial. Secondly, NordVPN enjoys an outstanding reputation as the best VPN of 2023, consistently delivering exceptional speed, top-tier security features, and an extensive range of entertainment options. We were also impressed by its exceptional speed performance and access to an extensive server network. This trusted and respected VPN service assures users a secure and reliable online experience.
