Blogs

Since the recent passage of the government's problematic Internet lockdown bill C-11, old media conglomerates have been dreaming up ways to put it to use in their quest to protect out-dated business models. This is very reminiscent of Canada's big telecom companies who tried to impose a pay-meter on the Internet use of all Canadians in an effort to prevent us from cutting our TV subscriptions in favour of online video.

In this case these old media bureaucracies are trying to get Internet service providers to pass along the private online information of Canadians they accuse of violating copyright rules. What a good way to scare us away from using the Internet as source of content.

The media conglomerates appear to be targeting independent Internet service providers. First it was Teksavvy who took some measures to push back against media company Voltage. You can see my posts on that case here and here. Now it's Distributel, an independent internet service provider, who is being asked by NGN Prima Productions to turn over our online information. Read more »

As more individuals and services move online, it’s crucial that people’s private online data be protected. We need a firm commitment from government to create strong citizen-centric policies. Change happens when citizens push for it. Send our Action Plan to your MP and call for a citizen-centric, pro-privacy digital strategy: http://openmedia.ca/report

Article by Armina Lagaya for the CBC:

Staying away from social media such as Facebook and Twitter and deliberately limiting the amount of personal information you disclose online may not be enough to protect yourself from having your private data exposed. Read more »

Warrantless online spying bill C-30 could come back at any time as a recent interview with Justice Minister Rob Nicholson shows.

Good news! The Competition Bureau’s submission on the CRTC draft wireless rules for mobile phone and Internet service echoes what we at OpenMedia.ca have put forward on behalf of Canadians. You know we're starting to win the debate when the Competition Bureau goes out of it's way to support the same positions. Our own Lindsey Pinto will travel to the CRTC hearing on the proposed rules next week to amplify your voices. Let’s show Canadians are behind her and share this far and wide: http://cellphonehorrorstory.ca/

Article by Rita Trichur for The Globe and Mail: Read more »

Hello!

Here's Lindsey with your update:

What do you think of the CRTC draft cell phone rules? Check it out as Michael Geist takes a look and finds they fall short. The rules give us a place to work from, but could be bolder. Do you agree with Geist that the rules fall short in their “more information” philosophy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Article by Michael Geist:

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission unveiled its much-anticipated draft wireless code of conduct lasts week, offering a promise of new, enforceable protections for consumers. The draft code, which is open for public comment until mid-February, generated a mixed reaction. Some consumer groups welcomed it as a step in the right direction. But other commentators were left underwhelmed, disappointed that the code does little to address consumer frustrations with issues such as long-term wireless contracts and exorbitant roaming fees. Read more »