Lots of previously announced stuff in #Budget2024 including billions for AI (which I wrote about here: michaelgeist.ca/2024/04/ai-spe…) and more funding for journalism.

The government cut the amount of Google money allocated toward the CBC from Bill C-18. So it makes it up with an extra $42 million from #Budget2024 .

Government again says the digital services tax (DST) will take effect this year. Anticipating generating billions in revenue primarily from tech companies.

Government budgeting $52M over five years for online harms. This includes the cost of the new Digital Safety Commission and Digital Safety Ombudsman envisioned by the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63).

A few notable digital-related issues in #Budget2024 : (1) Government already declaring right to repair and interoperability - including new copyright circumvention rights - a done deal. Not quite yet legislatively. No other major copyright reforms that I see.

Over at Macdonald-Laurier Institute, I expand on my concerns with the GG's online abuse symposium, which took place while the government's online harms bill is before Parliament.

macdonaldlaurier.ca/the-governor-g…

If you have engaged in any discussion/debate about #BillC63 aka the #OnlineHarmsAct , stop what you are doing and listen to this podcast.

Rising antisemitism in Canada sparks call for second national summit nationalpost.com/news/canada/ca…

The Online Harms Act is 3 bills in 1: platform regs, Human Rights Act, and Criminal Code reforms. This week’s Michael Geist's Podcast Series podcast features Boris Bytensky on the controversial criminal law part of Bill C-63, including life in prison for hate motivated crimes.
x.com/mgeist/status/…

The Online Harms Act is 3 bills in 1: platform regs, Human Rights Act, and Criminal Code reforms. This week’s Michael Geist's Podcast Series podcast features Boris Bytensky on the controversial criminal law part of Bill C-63, including life in prison for hate motivated crimes.
x.com/mgeist/status/…

The Michael Geist's Podcast Series Podcast, Episode 199: Boris Bytensky (@BBytensky) on the Criminal Code Reforms in the Online Harms Act
michaelgeist.ca/2024/04/law-by…

Today, the G7 Leaders issued a statement on Iran’s attack against Israel. Full statement: ow.ly/qFRH50RfN74

Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel – and the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. My statement:
pm.gc.ca/en/news/statem…

The extremist regime of Islamic Republic of Iran is in the midst of launching a heavy attack on #Israel

We expect unequivocal statements from both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly that condemn the attack from Iran and show support for 🇮🇱

The 🇨🇦…

We are strong.

We are prepared.

We are resilient.

Am Yisrael Chai 🇮🇱

On the GG and the online abuse question, this is why it's an issue:

The justice minister is explicitly linking the event to a controversial piece of legislation that's before Parliament.

The GG's allowed herself to get wrapped up in a contentious political debate. Not good.