Canada's government launches consultation on AI and the Internet of Things

By Emmanuel Legrand

The Government of Canada has launched a public consultation on a modern copyright framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

  The consultation was jointly announced by François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, as part of the discussion about the country's Copyright Act, in order to ensure that it remains "responsive to modern realities and that Canada's copyright framework continues to be effective in fostering innovation and investment as new technologies develop."

  "This consultation touches on a number of topics, including text and data mining, authorship and ownership of works created by AI, infringement and liability regarding AI, and repair and interoperability issues related to technological protection measures," according to a government statement. 

Hear diverse perspectives

  Participants have until September 17, 2021, to share their input. Responses received will be made publicly available following the consultation period and will help inform the government's policy development process to ensure that Canada's copyright framework for AI and IoT reflects the evolving digital world. 

   "The Copyright Act impacts many sectors of our economy. This consultation will allow us to hear the diverse perspectives of Canadians who want to make sure Canada's copyright framework supports innovation, investment and competition as digital technologies continue to play a bigger role in generating growth and creating jobs," said Champagne (pictured, above).  

Address technological challenges    

  Added Guilbeault (pictured, below): "Canada's copyright framework must reflect the realities facing our creators and cultural workers in the high-tech world. We know that rapid advances in digital technology have a strong impact on how Canadians create and share cultural products that we all cherish. This is why we want to hear from Canadians and address these challenges with them as we move forward together."

  This is the third phase of consultation on the Copyright Act, following the February 11-March 31, 2021 consultation on how to implement Canada's commitment under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement to extend the general term of copyright protection, and the one from April 14 to May 31, 2021 on how the use of copyright-protected content online is protected and how individual rights and freedoms in an open Internet are safeguarded.