YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Google, has expressed its dissatisfaction with a new proposed law in Canada that would change the way user-generated content is moderated.
The law, known as Bill C-11, is aimed at modernizing Canada’s privacy laws and strengthening protections for consumers. However, it also includes provisions that would require social media platforms like YouTube to remove illegal content within 24 hours of being notified or face fines of up to $25 million.
YouTube has criticized the proposed legislation, arguing that it would create a “one-size-fits-all” approach to content moderation that would be difficult to implement in practice.
In a blog post, YouTube’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Victoria Grand, said that the company was concerned about the potential impact of the law on freedom of expression and innovation.
“Canada’s proposed approach would create onerous requirements for online services that would discourage investment and harm Canadian creators and small businesses,” Grand wrote.
She added that YouTube already has robust content moderation policies in place, including a team of more than 10,000 people working to identify and remove illegal content, and that the proposed law would undermine these efforts.
“Removing content in 24 hours or face massive penalties would mean that online platforms would have to err on the side of taking down legitimate content to avoid legal risks, even if that content is not illegal,” she said.
YouTube’s concerns have been echoed by other tech companies and free speech advocates, who argue that the proposed law could have unintended consequences for online speech and innovation.
However, supporters of Bill C-11 say that the legislation is necessary to protect consumers and prevent the spread of harmful content, including hate speech, terrorist propaganda, and child sexual abuse material.
In a statement, Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault said that the government was open to feedback from tech companies and other stakeholders, but that the proposed law was needed to address “gaps” in Canada’s current privacy laws.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadians can benefit from the digital age while being confident that their privacy is protected,” Guilbeault said.
The proposed law is currently being reviewed by Canada’s Parliament, and it remains to be seen whether YouTube and other tech companies will be able to persuade lawmakers to make changes to the legislation.
However, the debate over Bill C-11 highlights the ongoing tension between online platforms and governments over the responsibility for moderating user-generated content, and the challenges of balancing free speech and online safety in the digital age.
