Justin Trudeau is accused by Elon Musk of suppressing free speech: This past Friday, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) unveiled its proposals to “modernize Canada’s broadcasting structure.
The businessman and internet billionaire Elon Musk claims that Justin Trudeau is attempting to stifle free expression in Canada. Following the announcement of modifications to its broadcasting regulations and a request for specific information from broadcasters, this has happened.
Canada’s right to free speech is being stifled by Trudeau. On X, formerly Twitter, Musk shared a message by writer Glenn Greenwald and commented, “Shameful.” The Canadian government has announced that all “online streaming services that offer podcasts” must formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls, according to a tweet by Greenwald. This is one of the most oppressive online censorship regimes in the world.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) announced its plans to “modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensure online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content” on Friday.
The CRTC stated that social media platforms and “online services that offer podcasts must register” as part of the amendments. “Online services that only provide audiobooks or video game services do not have to register,” it stated.
On May 12, 2023, the CRTC opened its first public consultations, and on Friday, it released its “first two decisions.”
It further stated that registration forms must be submitted by November 28 by online streaming businesses that are based in Canada, provide broadcasting content, and generate at least $10 million in annual income.
Now, certain streaming providers online are required to give the CRTC data on their subscribers and content.
According to the CRTC, there is currently a third consultation on the contributions that traditional broadcasters and internet streaming services will need to pay to promote Canadian and indigenous content.
Musk and Greenwald have criticized Trudeau for “crushing” free speech in contrast to what the Canadian prime minister had spoken about months earlier. Before blaming Indian agents for the murder of Khalistani rebel Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Trudeau had defended his people’s right to free speech. Following the Canadian government’s silence on the Khalistani issue, India expressed its worries.
“Our nation is incredibly varied, and we enjoy the right to free speech. But we’ll also make sure to counteract violence and extremism in all of its manifestations, he had told reporters.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, retorted, “The problem is not one of free speech. However, it is misapplied to support terrorism, secession, and violence advocacy. What we want to emphasize is that.”
