In-House Counsel

The Power of Web 2.0 on Government Legislation

Recently, the power of Web 2.0 came to the fore front on influencing copyright legislation in Canada.

The story wasn?t about individuals on Facebook, MySpace, or in blogs influencing the drafting of legislation, but rather how they were able to prevent it from being introduced.

Prior to this chapter of Canada's ongoing copyright protection saga, government officials had signalled they were about to introduce legislation, rumoured to be ratifying specific WIPO treaties. However the bill?s specifics were not shared with those concerned and naturally, the lack of information lead stakeholders to draw their own conclusions on what it would or wouldn?t entail.

Through a number of social media outlets, the ringleaders against potential copyright measures were able to quickly generate a flood of negative press and even mobilize a protest at the office of the government Minister who is responsible for copyright. The coverage forced the government to withhold the tabling of legislation and rethink its strategy.

No matter what side of this issue you fall on, the reaction demonstrates the power of Web 2.0 to disseminate information and mobilize support or opposition to an idea. It certainly bodes well for the evolution of e-government and participatory democracy.

Gauging reaction to the potential bill, it was obvious that views of all stakeholders had not been properly presented to the Minister. In addition to formal hearings and written submissions, elected officials and government bureaucrats need to put resources into more collaborate consultations. Future generations will demand government use these types of tools.

Here are links to some of the coverage the issue garnered:

Globe & Mail

National Post

CBC

itWorld Canada

Full post as published by Cisco High Tech Policy Blog on December 13, 2007 (boomark / email).