Social-media creators, podcasts won't be regulated under Liberal online streaming law

Canadian Heritage has released its final policy direction for the Liberals' controversial Online Streaming Act, which aims to modernize the country's broadcasting laws.

The final direction for the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to implement the legislation was issued today.

This marks the end of the government's direct role with the law formerly known as Bill C-11, the Liberal government's second attempt to bring major online streaming services into Canada's broadcasting system alongside traditional media such as TV and radio.

The final policy direction explicitly instructs the CRTC to not impose regulations on social-media content creators or podcasters.

The law will require online broadcasters to contribute to the creation, production and distribution of Canadian content.

It also seeks to support Indigenous content and original French-language programing.