Censorship Bills w/ Cory Morgan & Peyman Askari

In this episode, we examine Bill C-63, also known as the Online Harms Act, with a particular focus on its "precrime" changes to the Canadian Criminal Code. This legislation, part of a trio of bills including the Online Streaming Act (C-11) and Online News Act (C-18), has sparked significant concern regarding its implications for freedom of speech and potential censorship.

Bill C-63 proposes to combat online harms through several mechanisms, including the controversial introduction of "precrime" provisions. These provisions would allow for interventions based on anticipating harmful online behaviour before it occurs. Critics argue that such measures could lead to significant infringements on individual rights and freedoms, setting a precedent for preemptive action against citizens based on predicted behaviour rather than actual illegal acts.

This conversation is set against a backdrop of global shifts towards more stringent regulation of speech online, raising critical questions about the balance between protecting communities from harm and preserving essential freedoms. The debate surrounding Bill C-63 reflects broader concerns about the potential for overreach in the digital age, where the lines between safeguarding the public and surveilling it become increasingly blurred.