YouTube says currently, C-11 could harm Canadian content creators
OTTAWA – YouTube is warning Bill C-11, known as the Online Streaming Act, could harm Canadian digital creators.
A Canadian Press story, published in multiple news outlets, says a briefing “provided on a not-for-attribution basis” indicates the platform believes C-11 risks downgrading the popularity of Canadian content abroad thereby cutting into Canadian YouTubers’ earnings.
“YouTube fears the measures in the proposed Online Streaming Act, designed to promote Canadian content, could skew the algorithm they and other digital platforms use to match content with viewers’ personal preferences,” the story reads.
This is not the first time YouTube has raised concerns about the government’s proposed legislation to update the Broadcasting Act.
Earlier this year at the Canadian Media Producers Association’s Prime Time conference, YouTube’s chief business officer Robert Kyncl warned the bill could have unintended consequences.
As Cartt.ca reported at the time, Kyncl told the conference attendees C-11 could undermine the ranks of Canadian creators who, through YouTube, are able to drive into world markets. Kyncl indicated 90% of Canada’s user-generated content posted on YouTube reaches audiences worldwide.
“Minister Rodriguez has been clear that Bill C-11 is not intended to impact digital creators. We’re focused on working with officials to make sure that this intention is accurately reflected in this extremely complex legislation,” said Jeanette Patell, head of government affairs and public policy at YouTube Canada, in a statement emailed to Cartt.ca.
“As currently drafted, the Bill would give the CRTC the authority to regulate user generated content. Clearer definitions and more precise language are needed to ensure the Bill doesn’t unintentionally scope in digital creators and negatively impact the thousands of Canadian creators on YouTube and the millions of Canadians who use YouTube everyday.”
TikTok has also indicated it is committed to ensuring digital creators are protected.
In a statement emailed to Cartt.ca, Steve de Eyre, director of public policy and government affairs at TikTok Canada said: “TikTok is proud of the diverse range of Canadian creators who have found success on our platform. We’re committed to working with all parties and stakeholders to ensure that the bill can achieve its policy objectives when it comes to protecting digital creators.”
Bill C-11 is currently at second reading in the House of Commons.
