Weekly Newsletter for December 03, 2024

Weekly News (December 03, 2024)

Compiled by Brad McNeil and Faezeh Daemi with Sara Bannerman

McMaster University, Communications Governance Observatory

(November 27 – December 03, 2024)
Canadian News

• [COMPETITION] Competition Bureau sues Google over alleged anti-competitive conduct in online advertising (CBC) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY] Media outlets, including CBC, sue ChatGPT creator (CBC) 
• [HATE SPEECH/ONLINE HARMS] Prosecutors seek to tie Ottawa man to filming of neo-Nazi propaganda videos (The Canadian Press)
• [SURVEILLANCE] Rollout of body-worn cameras for Hamilton cops to begin in spring (The Hamilton Spectator) 
• [HATE SPEECH/FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION] Most Canadians oppose politically motivated violence and vandalism, new poll finds (National Post)
• [TELECOMMUNICATIONS/DATA PRIVACY] 911’s evolution in Canada from its history in London, ON. to Next Generation technology and what happens when you dial by mistake (The Hamilton Spectator) 
• [CYBERTHEFT/DATA PRIVACY] FACTOR says Scotiabank failed to report $10A theft of money meant for Canadian artists (The Toronto Star)
• [CYBERSECURITY/PRIVACY] How Canadian tech companies are stepping up to fight cyber threats (The Globe and Mail)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/MEDIA/LAWSUIT] OPINION: Robert Diab: Canadian news media are suing OpenAI for copyright infringement, but will they win? (The Conversation) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE] OPINION: Terry Flynn & Alex Sévigny: AI without limits threatens public trust — here are some guidelines for preserving communications integrity  (The Conversation) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REGULATION]  OPINION: The richest companies in the world are stealing from us and feeding us slop. It has to stop (The Toronto Star)
• [TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY/FRAUD] OPINION: The Editorial Board: Canada’s fight against phone fraud rings false; The government and the CRTC could be doing so much more to protect people (The Globe and Mail)
• [FREEDOM OF THE PRESS/ACCESS TO INFORMATION] OPINION: Standards Editor: Sandra E. Martin: AI might try to come for journalism – but here’s why it won’t succeed (The Globe and Mail)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REGULATION] OPINION: Tawfik Hammoud & Terence Smith: A call for an artificial-intelligence alliance among friendly nations; An AI-focused alliance is needed to steer global AI development responsibly and ensure economic security (The Globe and Mail)

International News

• [DATA PRIVACY/PLATFORM REGULATION] Italian watchdog warns publisher GEDI against sharing data with OpenAI (Reuters) 
• [FREEDOM OF INFORMATION] Mexico shuts watchdog agencies, intensifying fears for its democracy  (Washington Post) 
• [PLATFORM REGULATION] Australia Passes Landmark Social-Media Ban for Under-16s (Wall Street Journal) 
• [HATE SPEECH/FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION] Traditional people worry Ghana anti-gay bill will target their Indigenous identities (National Newswatch)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE] UK government failing to list use of AI on mandatory register (The Guardian)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/CHIPMAKING] Biden administration tightens tech controls on China  (Washington Post) 
• [FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION/CENSORSHIP] A Secret Signal of News and Hope for North Koreans (The New York Times)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REGULATION] China Is Bombarding Tech Talent With Job Offers. The West Is Freaking Out. Huawei offered triple pay to lure staff (The Wall Street Journal Online)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ONLINE HARMS] Google Worried Israeli Contract Could Enable Human Rights Violations (New York Times)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REGULATION] Senator Ted Cruz demands probe into European influence on policy (Reuters News)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REGULATION] F.T.C. Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Microsoft (New York Times) 
• [PLATFORM REGULATION/COMPETITION/ADVERTISING] U.S. Says Google Is an Ad Tech Monopolist, in Closing Arguments (New York Times) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/COMPETITION]  Will AI kill Google? Past predictions of doom were greatly exaggerated (The Washington Post)
• [DATA PRIVACY] US watchdog proposes limits on ‘data brokers’ sale of personal info (Reuters News)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/PERSONAL INFORMATION] AI, huge hacks leave consumers facing a perfect storm of privacy perils (Washington Post) 
• [MISINFORMATION/PLATFORM REGULATION] Laws to regulate misinformation online abandoned (ABC News) 
• [DEFAMATION] Judge Dismisses Defamation Suit Against Fox News Brought by Jan. 6 Figure (New York Times) 
• [COMPETITION/PLATFORM REGULATION] What’s Next for Google’s Search Monopoly (New York Times) 
• [CYBERSECURITY/CYBERWARFARE] Does the U.S. Need a Military Cyber Force?; U.S. Military Goes All-In on Cyberwar Front (The Wall Street Journal)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ELECTIONS] Meta says generative AI had muted impact on global elections this year (CTV News) 
• [PLATFORM REGULATION/COMPETITION] The World’s Pioneering Tech Cop Is Making Her Exit (New York Times) 
• [ELECTIONS/FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION] I grew up on Twitter. But with a new Trump era on the horizon, I’ve turned to Bluesky. Here’s what I found there (The Toronto Star)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ONLINE HARMS]  ChatGPT can be tricked into telling people how to commit crimes, a tech firm finds  (CNN) 
• [DATA PRIVACY] Enter the ‘ether,’ where scammers weaponize your emotions (Washington Post)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/COMPETITION] Inside Elon Musk’s Quest to Beat OpenAI at Its Own Game (Wall Street Journal) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE] OpenAI hits pause on video model Sora after artists leak access in protest (Washington Post) 
• [CENSORSHIP/SURVEILLANCE/PRIVACY] Apple accused of silencing workers, spying on personal devices (Reuters) 
• [HATE SPEECH/ELECTIONS] Emboldened ‘manosphere’ accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election (CTV News)
• [DATA BREACH/LAWSUIT/ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE] ByteDance seeks $1.1 mln damages from intern in AI breach case, report says (Reuters) 
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE] Artificial Intelligence(A Special Report) — The Many Ways WSJ Readers Use AI in Their Everyday Lives: They are increasingly leaning on artificial intelligence for work — but also for love and adventure (The Wall Street Journal)
• [MEDIA OWNERSHIP/TECH & POLITICS] Washington wonders how to lobby a man like Elon Musk (The Washington Post)
• [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/EDUCATION] OPINION: Letters: Liberals Arts in the Age of AI (Wall Street Journal) 
• [BROADCASTING] OPINION: Howard Husock: The Conservative Case for Public Broadcasting (Wall Street Journal) 

(November 27 – December 03, 2024)

Supreme Court of Canada

• The Supreme Court of Canada has decided the following leave applications.
  • [NATIONAL SECURITY/INTELLIGENCE] GRANTED: Ryan Alford v. Canada (Attorney General) (Ont.) (Civil) (By Leave) (41336) 

Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada

• Speech:
  • My renewed commitment to access to information: Canadian Access and Privacy Association Annual Conference 

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

• News Release:
  • Commissioner Dufresne concludes participation at the 62nd Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum 

Canadian Heritage

• Reports:
  • The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage presents its report entitled “The holding of a national forum on the media” 
  • The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage presents its report entitled “Harms caused by illegal, sexually explicit material online” 

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

• Statement:
  • Ministerial statement in response to the Auditor General of Canada’s report on the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy 
• Spectrum Management Consultation
  •  Consultation on a Fee Framework and Amendments to Conditions of Licence for Certain Spectrum Licences Used to Provide Commercial Mobile Services Below 10 GHz 

Competition Bureau Canada

• News Release:
  • Competition Bureau sues Google for anti-competitive conduct in online advertising in Canada 
• Backgrounder:
  • Competition Bureau sues Google for anti-competitive conduct in online advertising in Canada  

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

• Speech:
  • Vicky Eatrides to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre 
• Broadcasting and Telecoms:
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-313
    [2024-12-02 11:00:00]
    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Ottawa, Ontario – Application to amend the authorized contours of the French-language radio programming undertaking CBOX-FM Ottawa, which broadcasts the programming of the national, French-language network service ICI Musique
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-312
    [2024-12-02 11:00:00]
    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Ottawa, Ontario – Application to amend the authorized contours of the French-language radio station CBOF-FM Ottawa, which broadcasts the programming of the national, French-language network service ICI Première
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-114-1
    [2024-12-02 11:00:00]
    Arsenal Media Inc. – Joliette, Quebec – French-language commercial FM radio station in Joliette – Finalization of conditions of service
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-113-1
    [2024-12-02 11:00:00]
    Radio Nord-Joli Inc. – Joliette, Quebec – French-language community FM radio station in Joliette – Finalization of conditions of service
  • Telecom order 2024-311
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    Broadband Fund – Change requests – TELUS Communications Inc.’s access and mobile project in British Columbia (Central Interior) – Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0372
  • Telecom order 2024-310
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    Broadband Fund payment order – Approval of a holdback report – November 2024 – Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0372
  • Telecom order 2024-309
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    Broadband Fund Payment Order – Approval of Claim Forms – November 2024 – Public records: 1011-NOC2019-0191, 1011-NOC2019-0372, and 1011-NOC2022-0325
  • Telecom order 2024-308
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    Broadband Fund – Change request – Cogeco Connexion Inc.’s Ontario (Algonquin) transport fibre project – November 2024 – Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0372
  • Telecom order 2024-307
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    The Lansdowne Rural Telephone Company Ltd. – Support structure services – Introduction of Arrangements for Joint Use Lessees – Public record: Tariff Notice 19
  • Telecom order 2024-306
    [2024-11-29 11:00:00]
    Northwestel Inc. – Tariff Notice 1216 – Rate ratification for a tariff application – Public record: Tariff Notice 1216
  • Telecom order 2024-305
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Determination of Costs Award – Determination of costs award with respect to the participation of The Deaf Wireless Canada Consultative Committee in the proceeding initiated by Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-39 – File numbers: 1011-NOC2023-0039 and 4754-732
  • Telecom order 2024-304
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Determination of Costs Award – Determination of costs award with respect to the participation of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in the proceeding initiated by Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-39 – File numbers: 1011-NOC2023-0039 and 4754-716
  • Telecom order 2024-303
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Determination of Costs Award – Determination of costs award with respect to the participation of the Canada Deaf Grassroots Movement in the proceeding initiated by Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-39 – File numbers: 1011-NOC2023-0039 and 4754-751
  • Telecom order 2024-302
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Determination of Costs Award – Determination of costs award with respect to the participation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coalition in the proceeding initiated by Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-39 – File numbers: 1011-NOC2023-0039 and 4754-750
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-301
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Ottawa, Ontario – Application to amend the authorized contours of the English-language radio station CBO-FM Ottawa, which broadcasts the programming of the national, English-language network service Radio One
  • Broadcasting decision 2024-300
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Ottawa, Ontario – Application to amend the authorized contours of the English-language radio station CBOQ-FM Ottawa, which broadcasts the programming of the national, English-language network service CBC Music
  • Telecom order 2024-299
    [2024-11-27 11:00:00]
    Streamlined order – The Commission approves on an interim basis the following tariff application: North Frontenac Telephone Corporation Ltd., TN 39

Microsoft

• The $3.8 Trillion Opportunity: Unlocking the Economic Potential of the US Generative AI Ecosystem 

Senate of Canada

• The Senate sitting and possible sitting days:  The Senate will be sitting from December 3 – 5, 2024, with a possible sitting day on December 6, 2024.
  • Meetings:
    • Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affiars: Bill C-26, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts –  Monday, December 2, 2024 4:00 PM ET   
    • Standing Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM): Study matters relating to transport and communications generally (Topic: Local services provided by CBC/Radio-Canada) –  Tuesday, December 3, 2024 9:00 AM ET  
  • Bills on the Agenda
    • S-237: An Act to establish the Foreign Influence Registry and to amend the Criminal Code  – At second reading in the Senate
    • S-257: An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief) – At second reading in the Senate
    • S-261: An Act respecting non-disclosure agreements – At second reading in the Senate

House of Commons

• The House of Commons sitting and possible sitting days:  The House of Commons will be sitting from December 2 – 6, 2024.
  • Meetings:
    • Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC): Job Cuts Announced at CBC/Radio-Canada – Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
    • Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU): Examination of Telecommunication Companies Service Contract Practices – Monday, December 2, 2024, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
    • Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC): Protection of Freedom of Expression – Monday, December 2, 2024, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
    • Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC): Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act – Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
    • Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI): Privacy Practices of Delivery and Rideshare Applications – Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

• Anticipated Releases for the week of 2 to 6 December 2024:
  • The CRTC plans to issue the following decisions, notices of consultation, orders and/or regulatory policies in the week of 2 to 6 December 2024. This is subject to change without notice.
    • Broadcasting Decisions:
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Ottawa, Ontario
  CBOF-FM Ottawa – Technical amendments
  Public record: 2024-0337-7
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Ottawa, Ontario
  CBOX-FM Ottawa – Technical amendments
  Public record: 2024-0339-3
• Accessible Media Inc., Across Canada
  AMI-tv and AMI-télé – Application to increase the monthly per subscriber wholesale rates
  Public record: 2024-0082-8
• Arsenal Media Inc., Joliette, Quebec
  French-language commercial FM radio station in Joliette – Finalization of conditions of service
  Public record: 2021-0457-9
• Radio Nord-Joli Inc.,  Joliette, Quebec
  French-language community FM radio station in Joliette – Finalization of conditions of service
  Public record: 2023-0178-7
• Telecom Notice of Consultation: 
• Hearing Notice – Making it easier for consumers to shop for Internet services

• Upcoming hearings:
  •  February 11, 2025 – Yellowknife (Northwest Territories)
    To consider the broadcasting applications listed in Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-213 –  View hearing documents (2024-213)                         
• CRTC Open Broadcasting Proceedings
• CRTC Open Telecom Proceedings

Consultations:

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

• (Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-295) Call for comments – Making it easier to choose a wireless phone or Internet service – Enhancing self-service mechanisms – Deadline for submission of interventions: 9 January 2025 Deadline for submission of replies: 24 January 2025 
• (Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-294) Call for comments – Making it easier to choose a wireless phone or Internet service – Removing barriers to switching plans Deadline for submission of interventions: 9 January 2025 Deadline for submission of replies: 24 January 2025
• (Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-293) Call for comments – Making it easier to choose a wireless phone or Internet service – Enhancing customer notification Deadline for submission of interventions: 9 January 2025 Deadline for submission of replies: 24 January 2025   
• (Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-292) Call for comments – Reconsideration of an aspect of Telecom Decision 2023-358 Deadline for submission of interventions: 12 December 2024 Deadline for submission of replies: 19 December 2024 
• Share your thoughts on Canadian content for TV and online streaming services: End date: Start date: November 15, 2024, End date: January 20, 2025 
• Share your thoughts about the modernization of radio processes  Current status: End date: Start date: November 15, 2024, End date: January 20, 2025 
• Call for comments regarding the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ proposed plan for the operation of a temporary fund supporting local news production by commercial radio stations in smaller markets – Start date: December 4, 2024 – deadline December 19, 2024.  
• Share your thoughts on a temporary fund to support local news production by commercial radio stations – Start date: November 4, 2024 End date: December 19, 2024  

Innovation, Science and Economic Development 

• Right to Repair Consultation – closing date for comments: Dec 13, 2024 

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