Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association welcomes Canada’s decision to direct the CRTC to revisit its regulation of streaming services under the Online Streaming Act, which CCIA estimates could cost U.S. streaming services billions over the next five years. This is an important step toward addressing discriminatory requirements that could increase costs for Canadian consumers, disrupt a well-functioning production market, and undermine competition. CCIA urges Canada to remove the 5% base contribution and mandatory investment obligations.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale:
“CCIA applauds Canada’s decision to halt implementation of its discriminatory regulation of online music and video. This decision also reflects the sustained engagement of USTR, whose longstanding efforts should be recognized. For this decision to be meaningful, we look to Canada to not only scrap its 5% fee on online music and video, but also abandon proposals requiring online suppliers to invest a specified percentage of their revenue in narrowly-defined Canadian production.”
