Coursework

Question 1: Bill C-11 is currently being debated in Canada and is expected to pass at the
end of the current government session. It would allow the CRTC power to regulate internet
content. Consider the defense of a bill that some argue could limit freedom of speech.
Currently, Bill C-11 is under debate in Canada, and it is meant to allow CRTC to regulate
internet content. The bill is integral in controlling content available to the citizens, despite the
argument that it will potentially infringe human rights and limit the freedom of speech. Based on
the numerous advantages that the bill is associated with, it should be passed and enacted as a
law. One of the bill’s benefits is that it would help create space for indigenous programming and
media services, which have been neglected with the increased use of advanced technology
(Lexology, 2022). The benefits of indigenous programming supported by the bill cannot be
overlooked. Additionally, the bill will ensure that CRTC has the power to audit individuals who
engage in broadcasting undertakings to ascertain their credibility. Notably, some people who
engage in broadcasting activities have limited knowledge and skills to deliver quality and
credible content to the public, which may only increase society’s tension.
Additionally, Bill C-11 will increase access to media services for all citizens, including
minority groups who often have low income. As much as the bill may limit the freedom of
speech, it promotes equality in disseminating content on online platforms and other sites. The
government is responsible for ensuring that all citizens have access to the media content they
require to make informed decisions (Lexology, 2022). Furthermore, the bill will ensure that
individuals from all cultural backgrounds are entitled to employment opportunities in the
broadcasting sector. Such an initiative is essential because it promotes diversity and inclusivity in
the media sector and reduces the marginalization of minority communities.

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Question 2. Amazon, Apple, Facebook (Meta), and Google (Alphabet), known as the Big 4
in Big Tech., have a great deal of power as more and more people become reliant on the
technology they provide. Do governments have a moral responsibility to address this?
Describe the current situation with reference to at least two of these companies.
The Big 4 Tech firms have consistently dominated the technology sector, and most
people are greatly dependent on their services. However, the government has a real moral
responsibility to control the activities of the Big 4 Tech companies to protect the public and
consumers from infringement of their privacy rights and exploitation. Firstly, the government
can implement safety regulations that ensure consumer data is protected from access by
unauthorized personnel. It is vital to acknowledge that the big tech companies often receive large
amounts of consumer data that they often leverage unlawfully. The government can install large
information management systems to regulate and monitor information shared and generated by
the big four tech conglomerates to guarantee public safety. There are multiple instances of the
big four companies blatantly explaining instances in which they can use consumer information.
For instance, Google has categorically stated that they only support consumers through their free
products, such as Gmail and Chrome. However, the company is highly likely to use consumer
data for its gains (Tran, 2022). The government should ensure that implemented safety
regulations are adhered to by the companies to avoid using such data unethically.
Additionally, the government should regulate unfair competition that the big tech
companies have created. It is vital to acknowledge that other companies have found it difficult to
compete with the big tech companies because of their greater competitive advantage. Companies
like Google and Facebook have used their economies of scale and networking to outdo their
competitors. Additionally, Google and Facebook often undermine the autonomy of the users and

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communities, which is unethical. The government can help create an enabling environment for
all companies in the tech industry to ensure that customers are not exploited and have a wider
range of products to choose from (Tran, 2022). It is vital to acknowledge that the government
can also initiate several antitrust actions against companies like Google to control their
dominance in the tech market.

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References

Lexology (2022). Bill C-11: A proposal to regulate online streaming platforms.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2157c184-60c2-4c7a-a066-
9a1986a0a4d7
Tran, K. (2022). Why 2022 might disappoint big tech antitrust crusaders.
https://variety.com/vip/why-2022-might-disappoint-big-tech-antitrust-crusaders-
1235174942/