The Communications Energy and Paperworkers’ Union, Canada's largest telecom union, says its plans to challenge the Globalive decision in federal court, arguing the "decision is illegal."
Blog
Content For The People, By The People
Andrew Potter has a terrific piece in the Ottawa Citizen on Culture 2.0 and the move toward Democracy 2.0.
Canada Dragging Its Feet on Open Data Initiatives
Earlier this year, I wrote about the budding momentum behind governments making their data more readily available to the public for reuse. Open data initiatives have generated dozens of commercial and non-commercial websites that add value to the government data. Some make the data more understandable by using interactive maps to provide visuals about where activities are taking place (e.g. government stimulus spending). Others make the data more accessible by offering services to customize or deliver government information (e.g. postal codes to allow public interest groups to launch advocacy campaigns).
The crucial aspect behind these initiatives is that the government makes the data available in open formats free from restrictive licences so companies and civil society groups can create innovative websites, tools, and online services.
My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that last week the global open data movement received a big boost in three countries that is sure to leave Canadians wondering why their government has been so slow to move on this issue.
EU Ratifies the WIPO Internet Treaties
The European Union has formally ratified the WIPO Internet treaties. While critics of Canadian copyright law will no doubt use the move to argue that Canada has fallen behind on copyright reform, it is worth noting that: (1) Canada has twice introduced legislation designed to do the same; (2) the […]
UK Launches Copyright Consultation on Exceptions
The UK has launched a new copyright consultation on exceptions. The consultation notably recommends against a narrow format shifting exception, arguing instead that something far bigger is needed. It states "we would however encourage the EU to look at options that benefit consumers, including the possibility of a broad exception […]
Recent Posts
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 231: Sara Bannerman on How Canadian Political Parties Maximize Voter Data Collection and Minimize Privacy Safeguards 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 230: Aengus Bridgman on the 2025 Federal Election, Social Media Platforms, and Misinformation 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 229: My Digital Access Day Keynote – Assessing the Canadian Digital Policy Record 
Queen’s University Trustees Reject Divestment Efforts Emphasizing the Importance of Institutional Neutrality 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 228: Kumanan Wilson on Why Canadian Health Data Requires Stronger Privacy Protection in the Trump Era
