The real question being asked at hearings in Gatineau isn’t whether the CRTC should regulate the internet, but whether they should collect a tax on internet access and hand the money to Canadian cultural groups to produce “Canadian Content” for the internet.
I have a big problem with this. Unlike radio or television, where the broadcaster controls what the consumers listen to or watch, this isn’t the case on the internet. It is the most democratic / free information delivery system that we’ve devised – the consumer has all the power of choice. On radio and television, the CRTC can dictate how much Canadian-made music can be played, or what percentage of television programming must be Canadian. But on the internet, the CRTC can’t make sure I view 30% Canadian content unless they are going to meter and regulate access. Which would put Canada in the same group as Cuba and China for freedom destruction.
If the “cultural industries” want Canadians to view/read their material, make something we want to see – not what they like. The internet lets them make what they want the vast free market that is the internet will determine if they can make a living at it. I like that. I don’t want to subsidize the “cultural industries”.
PS. But if they get it, I want my cut as a Canadian blogger producing online content!
