Category free expression

Image for Bill C-18: Taking your voice to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Bill C-18: Taking your voice to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

OpenMedia testified to Parliament on the impact of C-18; here’s how it went.
Image for The Online News Act: A threat to Canadian News?

The Online News Act: A threat to Canadian News?

The government wants to charge for sharing online news content. What does this mean for Canadian news?
Image for A First Look at Canada’s Harmful Content proposal

A First Look at Canada’s Harmful Content proposal

What’s proposed in the government’s harmful content consultation, and where it falls down.
Image for The reboot no one asked for: Trudeau is reviving “FairPlay”, Bell’s failed website blocking plan

The reboot no one asked for: Trudeau is reviving “FairPlay”, Bell’s failed website blocking plan

The CRTC rejected a Bell-backed coalition’s website blocking proposal in 2018 after massive public outcry. Now, the federal government is bringing it back — and putting our online freedoms on the line.
Image for What’s wrong with the Link Tax? (an FAQ)

What’s wrong with the Link Tax? (an FAQ)

Common questions and answers on the Link Tax – from OpenMedia’s community
Image for What does a Liberal minority government mean for Canada’s Internet?

What does a Liberal minority government mean for Canada’s Internet?

The verdict of the election is here. So what is going to happen to the future of digital policy in Canada?
Image for Need a break from the election? Here are some happy memories

Need a break from the election? Here are some happy memories

The past year has been a rollercoaster on the digital rights front. But together, the OpenMedia community has achieved a lot. Here’s an overview of our wins and what’s on the horizon.
Image for Your views made it to the government’s report on copyright in Canada! 

Your views made it to the government’s report on copyright in Canada! 

After months of extensive study, the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU), has released its report on Canada's Copyright Act review, which contains encouraging recommendations for open Internet advocates. Here’s a summary
Image for We’ve Been Invited to Testify on Copyright: Let’s Bring Your Voices Straight to the Government!

We’ve Been Invited to Testify on Copyright: Let’s Bring Your Voices Straight to the Government!

The committee reviewing Canada’s copyright laws has invited us to testify in Ottawa. What should we bring to the table? We want to hear from you!
Image for Huge win for Canadians as CRTC rejects Bell’s website blocking proposal

Huge win for Canadians as CRTC rejects Bell’s website blocking proposal

Welcome ruling protects Canada from overreaching censorship agency, deferring jurisdiction to reviews of the Copyright, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Acts
Image for Who owns your tattoos? Copyright issues are all around us.

Who owns your tattoos? Copyright issues are all around us.

Ever wondered who owns the copyright to your tattoos?
Image for Let’s Talk Copyright to Bring Canada’s Copyright Rules Up to Speed With the Digital Era

Let’s Talk Copyright to Bring Canada’s Copyright Rules Up to Speed With the Digital Era

A rare opportunity to shape Canada’s copyright regime is right before us. Here’s how we can seize it to shape the rules by and for the people in the digital era.
Image for I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

Your support fuels our work and the people who are behind it. Thank you so much!
Image for The Internet fight we’re too ‘shy’ to fight because… sex?

The Internet fight we’re too ‘shy’ to fight because… sex?

Laws impacting the Internet made in one place can have implications beyond their geographical jurisdiction. But in some instances, little noise is made about these laws despite their global impact — why?
Image for Applying for a U.S. visa? “Extreme digital vetting” could be about to get worse

Applying for a U.S. visa? “Extreme digital vetting” could be about to get worse

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that could force every single U.S. visa applicant to provide five years of social media history — affecting nearly 15 million people per year.
Image for Against website blocking: What OpenMedia submitted to the CRTC

Against website blocking: What OpenMedia submitted to the CRTC

We filed a substantive policy submission as well as more than 82K individual submissions from Canadians. Thank you for speaking up!
Image for Thanks to you, our #DontCensor billboard is now up in Toronto!

Thanks to you, our #DontCensor billboard is now up in Toronto!

Just in time for the day of action to protest Bell coalition’s website blocking plan, our #DontCensor billboard is now up in Toronto. Once again, this would have not been possible without the support of our community — thank you!
Image for The CRTC must reject new overreaching Internet censorship proposal

The CRTC must reject new overreaching Internet censorship proposal

Bell-led coalition proposes government-backed website blocking system that advocates warn will harm consumers and free expression online
Image for European Parliament’s civil liberties committee strikes blow to dangerous proposals for content censorship

European Parliament’s civil liberties committee strikes blow to dangerous proposals for content censorship

Recommendations for a censorship machine were removed, but remaining loopholes are open to abuse by private companies
Image for U.S. District Court defends online free expression  and principles of intermediary liability with recent decision

U.S. District Court defends online free expression and principles of intermediary liability with recent decision

U.S. ruling blocks Supreme Court of Canada global takedown decision in Google v. Equustek
Image for Over 11,000 Canadians have spoken: NO to pursuing TPP negotiations

Over 11,000 Canadians have spoken: NO to pursuing TPP negotiations

Once again, Canadians have come together in the thousands to send a clear message to the federal government: The TPP is a bad deal for our country, regardless of U.S. involvement. Thanks for speaking out!
Image for Last Chance: Stop Social Media Spying

Last Chance: Stop Social Media Spying

Under new rules, 65,000 people a year are being asked to provide every social media handle they used over the past five years. We can't allow this to happen!
Image for Your social media history could determine your U.S. visa eligibility

Your social media history could determine your U.S. visa eligibility

The right to freely express our thoughts and political views online is under serious threat.
Image for NAFTA: Our Digital Rights are not for sale (or trade)

NAFTA: Our Digital Rights are not for sale (or trade)

OpenMedia’s official submission to the NAFTA consultation puts the digital rights concerns of Canadians front and centre
Image for Complete reversal and betrayal from major EU Party

Complete reversal and betrayal from major EU Party

The European People’s Party (EPP) — the largest party in the EU — has announced they are officially backing the Link Tax. It’s an insulting blow to public voices, informed decision-making, and democracy.
Image for Good News / Bad News: MEPs split on standing up for your rights

Good News / Bad News: MEPs split on standing up for your rights

Key MEP committee disappoints the public and lets the link tax pass but stops the censorship machine.
Image for Save the Link heroes

Save the Link heroes

You emailed your MEPs in the thousands, and in return they put through hundreds and hundreds of amendments to change the law for the better.
Image for For these large publishers, it was always about undermining our Right to Link

For these large publishers, it was always about undermining our Right to Link

There’s no shortage of proof that publishing lobbyists and their political allies want a world where you can own a hyperlink.
Image for RightsCon Brussels 2017: Making Facebook Pay (for the News)

RightsCon Brussels 2017: Making Facebook Pay (for the News)

We fought the Internet tax and the link tax to stop the open Internet being crushed in the name of saving the media. But what will we do when the next big idea comes along?
Image for Link tax slammed by major Spanish newspaper El País

Link tax slammed by major Spanish newspaper El País

The European Commission’s plans for a Link Tax have been dealt another blow — this time by leading Spanish newspaper El País
Image for Fundamental liberties at stake in copyright plan

Fundamental liberties at stake in copyright plan

Fundamental rights are under attack in EU plans for content filtering: freedom of expression, rule of law, and right to privacy.
Image for It’s here! Our TPP Citizens’ Report explores how we can rebuild public trust in trade processes

It’s here! Our TPP Citizens’ Report explores how we can rebuild public trust in trade processes

Our Let’s Talk TPP Citizens’ Report is finally here! Check out the full report and use our tool to send it to your MP.
Image for A sneak peek into the TPP Citizens’ Report: how we can rebuild public trust in trade processes

A sneak peek into the TPP Citizens’ Report: how we can rebuild public trust in trade processes

The public has lost confidence in trade processes that put the interests of corporate lobbyists before people. But there’s a way back from the brink.
Image for Copyright and transformative works: how will new laws affect creators of the future?

Copyright and transformative works: how will new laws affect creators of the future?

Lobbyists for the music and publishing industries are hoping to gain new powers to control how we share, collaborate, and create art online. But how will this affect creators? We’re kicking off an interview series with digital artists to find out!
Image for We’re throwing a wrench in the copyright machine

We’re throwing a wrench in the copyright machine

Dangerous new copyright proposals are on the way - here’s our plan to stop them.
Image for #ProtectPressFreedom: Join us on this National Day of Action!

#ProtectPressFreedom: Join us on this National Day of Action!

The combination of multiple spying scandals involving  Canadian journalists as well as powerful national opposition to Bill C-51 have sparked a national day of action on civil liberties, privacy and press freedom. Join us!
Image for Digital rights privilege problem: How trying to reach everyone becomes exclusive

Digital rights privilege problem: How trying to reach everyone becomes exclusive

Our Ruth Coustick-Deal discusses the need to make a conscious and deliberate effort to make digital rights campaigning more inclusive to ensure all voices, especially those of minorities, are reflected in our work. If you have any suggestions of how our organization can better address this issue, please drop us a comment below!
Image for Top 10 ways you helped save the Internet in 2016

Top 10 ways you helped save the Internet in 2016

As we face the challenges of 2017, let’s all be inspired by these amazing examples of how you helped save the Internet last year.
Image for Google v. Equustek at the Supreme Court of Canada: Dispatch from the Hearing

Google v. Equustek at the Supreme Court of Canada: Dispatch from the Hearing

As you may recall, OpenMedia intervened in a landmark Internet and free expression case at the Supreme Court of Canada, Google Inc. v. Equustek Solutions. Here's a recap of the big questions being wrestled with at the trial.
Image for Notice and…what? Explaining the Copyright Notice Trio

Notice and…what? Explaining the Copyright Notice Trio

Notice and…takedown? Staydown? Notice? We explain what these phrases mean and why they’re vital to the fight for free expression in 2017.
Image for Legislating against “fake news” leads us down a path to censorship

Legislating against “fake news” leads us down a path to censorship

The fake news phenomenon is taking over the airwaves. But what does “fake news” even mean — and is it possible to legislate against it without sending us down a censorship rabbit hole?
Image for Trudeau: send a message to Canadians and ditch the TPP

Trudeau: send a message to Canadians and ditch the TPP

The TPP is on its last legs – but why not finish it off? Trudeau should take a stand and reject the TPP.
Image for Have a Link Tax Question? Join us on Reddit Ask-Me-Anything(AMA) this Wednesday!

Have a Link Tax Question? Join us on Reddit Ask-Me-Anything(AMA) this Wednesday!

We’re hosting a Reddit AMA! Save the Date and Join us for all your #savethelink questions.
Image for We need YOU to help us get the word out about link censorship

We need YOU to help us get the word out about link censorship

We’re launching a brand new campaign to make sure that European decision-makers know where Internet users stand on the Commission’s Link Tax and Censorship Robots. Help us get the word out!
Image for MEPs standing up and saving the link

MEPs standing up and saving the link

Not all decision-makers want to enforce link tax & anti-Internet proposals. Some are working hard in the EU to challenge the worst copyright rules in the world.
Image for We did it! OpenMedia has submitted its arguments to the Supreme Court of Canada

We did it! OpenMedia has submitted its arguments to the Supreme Court of Canada

OpenMedia has filed its arguments to the Supreme Court of Canada, defending your free expression online. What’s next?
Image for A Hitchhikers Guide to the Link Tax — delivering your message to MEPs

A Hitchhikers Guide to the Link Tax — delivering your message to MEPs

We’ve produced an official guide to the Link Tax, to ensure MEPs hear your voices before they start to examine the European Commission’s unpopular plan.
Image for Delivering your voices against the #LinkTax to the European Parliament

Delivering your voices against the #LinkTax to the European Parliament

On Thursday as part of our fight to defend the right to link, our free expression campaigner went to the European Parliament to deliver your voices
Image for Why our work at the Supreme Court matters: a case study

Why our work at the Supreme Court matters: a case study

Not only is OpenMedia defending your digital rights at the Supreme Court, but our work will help to eliminate cases of censorship-by-copyright online
Image for Mind the ‘value gap’: how the EU Commission is working to reframe its Link Tax and other copyright reforms

Mind the ‘value gap’: how the EU Commission is working to reframe its Link Tax and other copyright reforms

In the past several weeks, you’ve probably seen the phrase “value gap” creeping into your newsfeeds. But what does it really mean?
Image for This depends on YOU: will you help us take Free Expression to new heights at the Supreme Court?

This depends on YOU: will you help us take Free Expression to new heights at the Supreme Court?

Your support is vital to ensure our Supreme Court case has impact
Image for OpenMedia is defending your free expression at the Supreme Court

OpenMedia is defending your free expression at the Supreme Court

OpenMedia will be intervening in a landmark case at the Supreme Court of Canada – defending the free expression of Internet users across the globe.
Image for Quebec’s Bill 74 puts us all on a slippery slope toward Internet censorship

Quebec’s Bill 74 puts us all on a slippery slope toward Internet censorship

An extreme new law close to home could pave the way to a terrible future for the open Internet in Canada.
Image for The link tax law is leaked, and it looks like it was written by someone who has never used the Internet

The link tax law is leaked, and it looks like it was written by someone who has never used the Internet

A new leak from the European Commission lays out the not-so-specific details of the link tax law and other copyright reforms. And guess what? They only serve media industry giants.
Image for Why is the European Commission hiding the voices of thousands of Internet users?

Why is the European Commission hiding the voices of thousands of Internet users?

The European Commission hasn’t released the data that they say justifies the link tax. Where are your voices and their consultation response?
Image for Breaking News: Leaked document reveals EU Commission’s plan to mislead and ignore you in their crusade for a link tax

Breaking News: Leaked document reveals EU Commission’s plan to mislead and ignore you in their crusade for a link tax

The European Commission have shown themselves incapable of listening, recent leak shows they intend to push ahead with link tax and ignore public consultation process.
Image for Become a link tax mythbuster

Become a link tax mythbuster

We have been putting together some key myth-busting images that should put the link tax to bed once and for all, showing decision-makers why it's just not going to work.
Image for The Link Tax is Running Out of Fuel: You Can Stop It Here

The Link Tax is Running Out of Fuel: You Can Stop It Here

The European Commission is still considering proposals for fees for hyperlinks, AKA: the link tax. They are writing the law now, but they are on the brink of dropping these plans. Let’s remind them we’re not going away.
Image for Letter to the Community: The road ahead for OpenMedia

Letter to the Community: The road ahead for OpenMedia

Our new Executive Director Laura Tribe introduces herself and looks at the exciting challenges we’ll face over the months ahead.
Image for Québec is gambling with Internet censorship: what is Bill 74 and how can we kill it?

Québec is gambling with Internet censorship: what is Bill 74 and how can we kill it?

Blatant censorship of the Internet for financial gain.
Image for Despite strong opposition to the link tax, the European Commission continues to pursue the policy

Despite strong opposition to the link tax, the European Commission continues to pursue the policy

Internet users concerned over Commission’s continued push forward on unpopular plan to tax links and snippets and possible introduction of new liabilities for online platforms.
Image for Help shape the future of our weekly Internet Insider

Help shape the future of our weekly Internet Insider

Have you ever heard of our Internet Insider? It's OpenMedia's weekly newsletter with an overview of relevant digital rights news and what our team has been up to behind the scenes. We are currently redesigning what we think to be a useful resource that just hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, so first, we need your feedback! 
Image for What the heck is ancillary copyright and why do we call it the Link Tax?

What the heck is ancillary copyright and why do we call it the Link Tax?

What the heck is ancillary copyright anyway? And why does it matter? And why do we keep calling it the link tax? All will be revealed within.
Image for We made it happen: Your voices on a Jumbotron outside the TPP hearings

We made it happen: Your voices on a Jumbotron outside the TPP hearings

We crowdsourced your concerns about the TPP and displayed them on a Jumbotron TV screen outside the TPP hearings in Vancouver today. Check out these awesome pics!
Image for WATCH HERE: Making Sense of the TPP, with Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz

WATCH HERE: Making Sense of the TPP, with Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz

Do you want to make sense of the Trans-Pacific Partnership? Watch this live stream with experts on the topic, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. 
Image for The European Commission is listening, again: The consultation to end all consultations?

The European Commission is listening, again: The consultation to end all consultations?

Exciting developments in our Save the Link campaign happened this week!
Image for For International Women’s Day, meet a few of our female Internet heroes

For International Women’s Day, meet a few of our female Internet heroes

Women at OpenMedia and around the world work tirelessly to ensure that the Internet remains an equally accessible tool, where we can all freely express ourselves without fear and share revolutionary ideas that have the potential to change millions of lives for the better. Today we celebrate International Women's Day and invite you to join us in the fight. 
Image for Secretive trade negotiations leave important voices on the sidelines

Secretive trade negotiations leave important voices on the sidelines

We've joined a large international coalition calling for trade agreement reform to protect our digital rights
Image for The Story of Saving the Link

The Story of Saving the Link

Our Save the Link campaign is really making a difference, but how did it all begin?
Image for Recapping the Trouble with the TPP: Pt 2

Recapping the Trouble with the TPP: Pt 2

Part two of our summary on Michael Geist's "the trouble with the TPP" series exposes more threats to our digital future in Canada. Find out more about how this agreement will be felt here at home.
Image for The TPP was just signed. Here’s our plan to fight back.

The TPP was just signed. Here’s our plan to fight back.

The final battle against the TPP begins. This is how you can help us stop it.
Image for Michael Geist takes on “The Trouble with the TPP”

Michael Geist takes on “The Trouble with the TPP”

Over the past few weeks Michael Geist has released a series of blogs detailing the definitive case against the TPP. Here are the top highlights. What do you think?
Image for Parliament resumes today: Here are the top 5 digital issues MPs are facing

Parliament resumes today: Here are the top 5 digital issues MPs are facing

Canada’s Parliament is back in session, and MPs have a number of crucial digital rights issues on their plate
Image for 5 big challenges for our digital rights in 2016

5 big challenges for our digital rights in 2016

Looking ahead to 2016, one thing is clear: challenges to our digital rights are set to intensify.
Image for Politwoops is back!

Politwoops is back!

Return of Politwoops brings with it added political accountability and transparency
Image for Looking back at 2015: our biggest wins, and the challenges yet to come

Looking back at 2015: our biggest wins, and the challenges yet to come

2015 was the busiest year in our young organization’s history. Check out what our community achieved together!

Globe and Mail: Final push for Pacific Rim pact set for end of September

The TPP deal is closer than we might think!  Are your candidates for or against it? Check here and tell them to oppose this bad deal: OurDigitalFuture.ca/candidate Article by Steven Chase for The Globe and Mail An effort to land a massive Pacific Rim free trade agreement within weeks is under way, raising the prospect the wide-ranging Trans-Pacific Partnership could dominate the final stretch of the Canadian election campaign.
Image for Let’s make Canada’s parties endorse our pro-Internet action plan

Let’s make Canada’s parties endorse our pro-Internet action plan

Exciting news! Green Party leader Elizabeth May has just announced her endorsement of our crowdsourced pro-Internet action plan. So far Ms. May is the first major party leader to do so - and we’re thrilled to have her waving the flag for Canada’s Internet. This is great news for Canada’s pro-Internet movement and never would have happened without so many people speaking up to support our plan. Now we need to keep up the pressure on all the party leaders, to ensure our action plan can be put into law.
Image for EFF: Nothing Is Agreed Yet—We Can Still Stop The TPP’s Copyright Trap

EFF: Nothing Is Agreed Yet—We Can Still Stop The TPP’s Copyright Trap

Despite all the talks, the TPP negotiations remain tentative until each country signs off on the final agreement.The battle's not over yet, let's keep speaking up against this Internet-censoring deal! Add your voice at StoptheSecrecy.net Article by Jeremy Malcolm for EFF
Image for Geist: Canadian Music Industry Hit With Competition Complaint Over Public Domain Recordings

Geist: Canadian Music Industry Hit With Competition Complaint Over Public Domain Recordings

The internet we love is based on creators being able to freely, cheaply, and easily share their work! ‪#‎SaveTheLink‬ Article by Michael Geist Earlier this year, I wrote about the secret campaign by major record labels and publishers to stop the release of public domain recordings, most notably Beatles records that outsold the offerings from major label records at retail giant Wal-Mart. The campaign included extensive lobbying for an extension in the term of copyright for sound recordings. 
Image for Georgia Straight: OpenMedia encourages voters to consider policies around access, privacy in federal election

Georgia Straight: OpenMedia encourages voters to consider policies around access, privacy in federal election

Check out this amazing coverage of our pro-Internet election plan on The Georgia Straight! The Internet is something we shouldn’t take for granted. We should take action to have our democratic rights as citizens, to make sure it stays open, accessible and free for everyone. This election, vote for the Internet! OurDigitalFuture.ca Article by Stephen Hui for the Georgia Straight  Stephen Harper’s Conservative government represents a “lost 10 years” for the Internet in Canada, according to a digital-rights advocate.
Image for CBC: Google ordered to remove ‘right to be forgotten’ stories after ‘right to be forgotten’ ruling

CBC: Google ordered to remove ‘right to be forgotten’ stories after ‘right to be forgotten’ ruling

The new EU 'right to be forgotten' ruling conflicts with our right to knowledge and free expression. Why should people like web companies, politicians, or governments force search engines and other aggregators to remove links to articles about their activities without a judicial process? Learn more below and check out our growing international campaign to Save The Link at SaveTheLink.org Article by CBC News
Image for CBC: Leaked Trans-Pacific Partnership draft would force Canada to rework copyright, critics say

CBC: Leaked Trans-Pacific Partnership draft would force Canada to rework copyright, critics say

If Canada adopts the TPP, it will criminalize your Internet use and force your Internet provider and search engines to censor online content, things the government had consistently rejected throughout the copyright reform process. Speak out now at StoptheSecrecy.net Article by Zack Dubinsky for CBC
Image for Tyee: TPP Leaks Reveal Blows to Creative Freedom: Filmmaker

Tyee: TPP Leaks Reveal Blows to Creative Freedom: Filmmaker

TPP will hurt our creative fredom in ways you can't image. Here's a filmmaker's acount of what it would mean for artists and creators around the globe. Let's stop this censoring deal at StoptheSecrecy.net Article by Brett Gaylor for the Tyee Most people's experience with copyright begins and ends with the FBI warnings that play before movies on a DVD. 

EFF: Which companies will protect you from copyright and trademark bullies?

Who's protecting your speech against false copyright or trademark complaints? EFF finds out which companies are willing to go to bat for you. Report by EFF When somebody wants to silence speech, they often use the quickest method available. When the speech is hosted on a major online platform, that method is usually a copyright or trademark complaint. For many years, EFF has worked with people whose lawful speech has been unfairly targeted by these sorts of complaints. We've observed that some approaches tend to work better than others in preventing that sort of deliberate abuse, as well as the casual censorship that comes from haphazard and dragnet approaches to policing online infringement.
Image for From Antarctica to Vietnam, global Internet users are creating a vision for our digital future

From Antarctica to Vietnam, global Internet users are creating a vision for our digital future

Our small team at OpenMedia would like to take a moment to thank you - all of you - who have used the Internet to help create a roadmap forward for a fair digital future. It was in October 2013 that we asked our community - Internet users who are invested in driving the Internet, creating and sharing online, and collaborating without borders - to help shape our collective digital future. Our call was in response to continued backdoor negotiations of a massive agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which will threaten our ability to innovate online, create excessive copyright terms, and criminalize your online activity.

OpenMedia works to keep the Internet open, affordable, and surveillance-free. We create community-driven campaigns to engage, educate, and empower people to safeguard the Internet. Take action now

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