Legal Commentary

CRTC decides to keep hands off new media

By David Canton

Michael reports that the CRTC’s just released decision based on their new media hearings that were held in February is that they will continue to not regulate media over the internet. 

The CRTC’s press release says in part:  ?While broadcasting in new media is growing in importance, we do not believe that regulatory intervention is necessary at this time,? said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. ?We found that the Internet and mobile services are acting in a complementary fashion to the traditional broadcasting system. Any intervention on our part would only get in the way of innovation.?

I concur with Michael when he says:  Overall, the decision to avoid new regulations and levy schemes is a good one.  Further, the intervention on undue preferences is both welcome and represents a potential first step in addressing the broader concerns associated with net neutrality.  The CRTC is the first to get criticized when it gets things wrong (or does nothing at all), but deserves praise when it gets things right.

Full post as published by eLegal Canton on June 05, 2009 (boomark / email).