What Is The Online Streaming Act And How Will It Affect Canadians?

The Online Streaming Act (OSA) is one of three digital initiatives of Canada's federal government. The other two are the Online News and the Online Safety regulations, set to be passed in the near future.

On April 27, 2023, the OSA came into force in Canada. The Act is a shiny new version of the old, and some would say decrepit, Broadcasting Act. The OSA is intended to address contemporary challenges arising from the growing popularity of internet videos and digital media, as well as prioritize the needs and interests of Canadians.

The OSA empowers the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the "CRTC") to regulate digital content creators, including online streaming within the framework of broadcasting. The OSA arms the CRTC with the ability to impose conditions on internet broadcasts. Broadcasters may be required by the CRTC to utilize Canadian content and support Canadian content makers. Importantly, the OSA may also be used to improve