Regulating the Internet: Can Canadian Democracy Survive Big Tech?

A recent spate of high-profile incidents, including the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, have brought to light the threats to democracy posed by our digital landscape.

The rise of mis- and dis-information, the deepening of political polarization, and the amplification of extremist content and incitements to violence, have spurred governments around the world to explore legislative action to regulate online platforms and the internet more broadly.

Canada is certainly not exempt from the harms inflicted by the digital ecosystem. But should our government intervene? Or is addressing those harms a job best left to the market and civil society?

What are some possible approaches or frameworks, and how can we ensure that freedoms are protected? What is at risk in outsourcing the governance of key democratic processes to a handful of largely U.S. based companies?

Moderated by Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy Director, and Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications at the Max Bell School, Taylor Owen, this event will bring The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin (P.C., C.C.), former Chief Justice of Canada, in conversation with Canadian journalist Andrew Coyne to discuss whether the government should regulate the internet. This event is hosted by the Max Bell Foundation.

Read more about this event here.