Law Bytes Episode 254: Looking Back at the Year in Canadian Digital Law and Policy
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Dec 22, 2025 The year in Canadian digital law saw significant upheaval due to political shifts in Canada and the U.S. Policies like the digital services tax faced reversal, and privacy reforms stalled. AI regulations shifted focus from strict oversight to promoting adoption. Major privacy rulings emerged, highlighting privacy challenges with tech giants. Amidst budget constraints and trade negotiations, Canadian digital policy evolved rapidly, impacting everything from lawful access to internet harms legislation.
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Political Shocks Reshape Digital Policy
- Canada's digital policy shifted rapidly after U.S. political changes, upending prior plans like the DST and other Trudeau-era initiatives.
- Michael Geist links Trump-era trade pressure to swift reversals, showing geopolitics can instantly reshape domestic tech policy.
Streaming And News Rules In Legal Limbo
- Streaming and news laws (Bill C-11, C-18) remain unsettled with CRTC rulings and court appeals leaving obligations unclear.
- Quebec moved ahead with Bill 109, showing provinces may act independently when federal policy stalls.
From Regulation To AI Adoption
- Canada pivoted from AI regulation toward adoption and competitiveness, abandoning the comprehensive Bill C-27 approach.
- The shift mirrors global moves to balance regulation with economic competitiveness in AI.