Government policy tells CRTC to exclude social media users from online streaming bill

Canadians who make content online are to be excluded from future regulations that the Liberal government is imposing on digital giants, a new draft policy shows.

Canadians who make content online are to be excluded from future regulations that the Liberal government is imposing on digital giants, a new draft policy shows.

The government's online streaming bill, which passed in April, aims to force platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and TikTok to contribute to and promote Canadian content -- a requirement traditional broadcasters already follow.

But the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission must now develop regulations to implement the bill's intentions.

Draft policy released by the government on Thursday instructs the CRTC to leave out social media users, including local businesses, who upload content online, even if they use commercial songs.

For example, a person who records a makeup tutorial or dance trend while with a Harry Styles song in the background would not fall under the regulations.

The draft policy states that the measures will not apply to such users because their content is mainly meant for the internet.

TikTok said it is encouraged by that instruction.