Canadian lawmakers have passed a bill to regulate social media and streaming.
Gatekeepers News reports that a controversial bill, Bill C-10, that aims to regulate programming distributed by media streaming services and social platforms like Facebook and YouTube have been passed.
The bill drafted by Justin Trudeau (Canadian Prime Minister)’s government, will subject tech giants to the same requirements as traditional broadcasters and compel companies like Netflix Inc. and TikTok Inc. to finance and promote Canadian content.
It is however not sure if the bill will become law as it still needs to win passage through the Senate, a process that could be pre-empted by an election later this year that would effectively kill the bill.
Gatekeepers News reports that if that happens, a new government would have to put it through the legislative mill again if it wants the rules to come into effect.
Trudeau’s government has hailed the passage of the bill
“There are other issues we have to address when it comes to broadcasting and creation, and we will,” Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault said during the final debate Monday evening.
“Bill C-10 is a first step in that direction.”