Charlie Angus, the NDP's Canadian Heritage critic, has published a terrific piece on copyright reform and its broader consequences. Must reading for politicians from all political parties seeking to better understand the context behind the copyright reform debate.
Latest Posts
Copy/South
The Copy/South Research Group has produced a fascinating dossier on copyright concerns in the developing world that crystallizes many of the concerns in the south and north.
CRTC Radio Review Needs to Dial In New Frequency
My weekly LawBytes column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) focuses on the CRTC's Commercial Radio Review. I argue that missing from the debate is any real vision about how public policy goals to promote Canadian artists and encourage a diverse, financially successful commercial radio market can be adapted to an […]
Soccer Broadcaster Offside With Demands
Soccer fans around the world are anxiously anticipating this summer's FIFA World Cup. FIFA's broadcast partner, Infront Sports and Media, is apparently looking ahead to the World Cup for a different reason. With the exclusive broadcast rights in hand, Infront's lawyers are sending pre-emptive notice and takedown notifications to Internet service providers. One Canadian ISP has received a letter from Baker & McKenzie, the Infront's Canadian counsel, in which the firm notes the potential for the posting of unauthorized clips or images from the games and demands:
"Should your service be used for the purpose of such unlawful activities we will alert you as a matter of urgency and trust you will assist in taking down any infringing material so you can avoid any joint liability for such infringements, as well as assisting us in identifying the infringers."
While the World Cup is an important sports event, is it really so important that its rights holders and their lawyers believe that Canadian law doesn't apply to them? At least three issues come to mind.
Open Access and Public Health
The World Health Organization’s regular bulletin includes an interesting editorial on the link between open access and public health.
Recent Posts
Debating the Online Harms Act: Insights from Two Recent Panels on Bill C-63 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 199: Boris Bytensky on the Criminal Code Reforms in the Online Harms Act 
AI Spending is Not an AI Strategy: Why the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Plan Avoids the Hard Governance Questions 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 198: Richard Moon on the Return of the Section 13 Hate Speech Provision in the Online Harms Act 
Tweets Are Not Enough: Why Combatting Relentless Antisemitism in Canada Requires Real Leadership and Action
