Canada
Executive Summary
Canada maintains relatively low levels of internet censorship compared to many countries. The primary regulatory framework includes the Online Streaming Act (C-11) and Online News Act (C-18), which focus on platform regulation rather than DNS blocking. However, there are concerns about potential overreach and the impact on digital rights.
Key Legislation
Online Streaming Act (C-11)
Requires streaming platforms to contribute to Canadian content and follow Canadian broadcasting rules.
Online News Act (C-18)
Requires tech platforms to pay news publishers for content, leading to some platforms blocking news access.
Censorship Practices
Content Blocking
- • Very limited government-mandated DNS blocking
- • Some voluntary platform restrictions
- • Court-ordered takedowns for specific content
Surveillance
- • Limited government surveillance
- • Strong privacy protections under PIPEDA
- • Some concerns about data retention
Circumvention Tools
Recommended Tools
Recent Developments
Meta Blocks News Access
In response to C-18, Meta blocked news content on Facebook and Instagram in Canada, raising concerns about access to information.
August 2023Google Reaches Agreement
Google reached a deal with the Canadian government to pay $100 million annually to news publishers under C-18.
November 2023