Streaming service Netflix Canada has refused to turn over what they consider “sensitive information” to the CRTC, despite a number of requests and threats from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.
The CRTC asked Netflix to give them information on subscribers, however, because Netflix Canada is a web-based business, they fall under different regulations than “traditional” broadcasters. Netflix denied their request for info, saying they couldn’t be guaranteed that the data would be kept confidential.
“While Netflix has responded to a number of the CRTC’s requests, we are not in a position to produce the confidential and competitively sensitive information ordered by the commission due to ongoing confidentiality concerns,” said Netflix spokesperson Anne Marie Squeo in a statement Monday night (The Star). “While the orders by the CRTC are not applicable to us under Canadian broadcasting law, we are always prepared to work constructively with the Commission.”
University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist told the CBC in an interview Tuesday, “Netflix likely felt pushed into the corner on a bigger issue, which is the CRTC’s authority to regulate online new media. The issue has been simmering for about a decade, but everybody took a hands-off approach,” Geist said. “Once there was a threat from the CRTC on Friday, it really did force Netflix’s hand.”
Photo: Netflix Canada
