Canada: Implemented exemption orders and basic conditions of service for online streaming services in modernisation of Canadian broadcasting system

On 29 September 2023, the Regulatory Policy on exemption orders and basic conditions of service for online streaming services came into effect in the context of the modernisation of the Canadian broadcasting system. The Policy outlines conditions of service relating to information gathering, undue preference and undue disadvantage, making content available over the Internet and filing financial information, to be imposed on online undertakings. Regarding information gathering, the conditions of service apply to all online undertakings, with the exception of online undertakings whose single activity and purpose consists either of providing video game services or of providing audiobook services. Regarding undue preference, undue disadvantage, availability of content over the Internet, and filing financial information, the conditions of service apply to online undertakings that either alone, or as part of a broadcasting ownership group, have CAD 10 million or more in annual broadcasting revenues in Canada. Online streaming services must provide information about content and subscribership, as well as make content available in a way that is not tied to a specific mobile or Internet service.