The forum promotes information sharing and collaboration among regulatory bodies
The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum has added the Copyright Board of Canada as its newest member to expand its expertise to address the complexities of digital markets and emerging technologies such as AI.
The forum, established in June 2023, was created to promote information sharing and collaboration among Canadian regulatory bodies on matters related to digital markets and platforms. The forum's founding partners include the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, the Competition Bureau, and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). With the addition of the Copyright Board, the forum now gains specialized knowledge in copyright law and its impact on digital markets, business models, and emerging technologies.
“The creation of the Canadian Digital Regulators Forum has been an important development for advancing our collective mandates and collaboration on matters relating to digital regulation in Canada,” said Philippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada and chair of the forum. “I welcome the addition of the Copyright Board to bring an important area of expertise that will enhance this essential partnership.”
The Copyright Board's inclusion comes at a time when digital markets are rapidly changing due to new technologies, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI). In its first year, the forum focused on building capacity in AI and strengthening both domestic and international relationships. Moving forward, the forum plans to engage in collaborative analysis on AI-related policy issues and continue foresight work to define its future priorities.
“As we look to build on the progress made in the Forum’s first year, I am pleased to see its membership grow,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition at the Competition Bureau. “The Copyright Board will bring a wealth of experience to the Forum as we delve further into the policy issues around AI and the digital economy.”
Vicky Eatrides, chairperson and CEO of the CRTC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how emerging technologies affect industries worldwide. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges in ways that best serve Canadians.
The Copyright Board of Canada, which has been modernizing its processes in recent years, expressed its enthusiasm about joining the forum. Drew Olsen, vice chair and CEO of the Copyright Board, noted that the board’s role as a marketplace facilitator and economic regulator will benefit from shared expertise within the forum.
By integrating the Copyright Board’s insights, the forum aims to bolster its capacity to respond to digital market challenges and ensure that regulatory actions are efficient, evidence-based, and aligned with the rapidly changing technological landscape.
