Canada: Issued ruling in CRTC investigation into Google's application for exemption under the Online News Act

On 28 October 2024, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued a ruling in its investigation into Google’s exemption application under the Online News Act (formerly Bill C-18). The CRTC ruled that Google is granted a five-year exemption from the Online News Act and must pay CAD 100 million (approx. USD 71 million) to the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC). The Online News Act requires online platforms that share Canadian news content to compensate news organisations fairly. It mandates the CRTC to oversee fair negotiations between news organisations and major online platforms. The CJC will distribute the CAD 100 million paid by Google equitably to Canadian news organisations.