Canada

Canada Drops Online Hate Speech Complaint Law

Is this a victory for Canadian free speech, a setback or not the win it's being made out to be?

Published 2 hours ago

Canada Drops Online Hate Speech Complaint Law

Story

Above: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Economic Club Of New York on May 28. Image credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The Spin

Right narrative

Carney dropping Trudeau's Human Rights Tribunal proposal for online hate speech complaints is a genuine win for free expression in Canada. The old system would have let anonymous, frivolous complaints silence lawful speech. Killing this proposal removes a serious threat to Canadians' ability to speak freely online. A win is a win.

Tablesalt on X

Moose on the Loose on Youtube

Left narrative

Carney's decision to abandon Section 13 is a step backward in confronting the growing wave of online hate, harassment and misinformation targeting women, minorities and LGBTQ+ Canadians. Free expression should not mean impunity for those who spread racism, misogyny and intimidation online. Without meaningful accountability, vulnerable communities are left to bear the costs while harmful content continues to flourish unchecked.

JURIST Amnesty International

Cynical narrative

Dropping one clause while reviving the rest of the online harms framework is not the "win" this is being made out to be. Appointing Bernie Farber, founding chair emeritus of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, to advise on online safety signals that censorship is still the goal. Carney is governing like Trudeau with better optics, and Canadians shouldn't be fooled.

David Krayden on X National Post

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from left-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.