CRTC approves Google’s exemption from Online News Act

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has begun to issue decisions regarding Google’s contributions to Canadian news organizations.

The CRTC has approved Google’s application to be exempted from the Online News Act, which came into effect on December 19th, 2023. 

Formerly known as Bill C-18, the Act intends to ensure that online platforms that provide Canadian news content fairly compensate Canadian news organizations. 

Under the legislation, the CRTC is responsible for implementing the government’s regulations. These regulations allow online platforms to request exemptions from bargaining with individual news organizations if they are able to reach an agreement with a larger organization that represents several outlets. 

In June 2024, Google filed such an application, seeking exemption from the Online News Act. 

Following a public consultation, the CRTC granted the platform a five-year exemption. Google is required to pay $100 million every year to the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC). 

The first year’s payment must be completed within 60 days of the decision. The CJC will then be responsible for distributing the funds equitably to eligible Canadian news organizations, reporting to the CRTC on an annual basis.