Innovation Minister announces Digital Charter, details 10 principles to combat online extremism

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains formally announced the government’s Digital Charter with a 10 point principle outline to combat hate speech and online disinformation.

At an event on May 21st, hosted by the Empire Club of Canada, Bains said that “at the heart of these challenges is the question of trust.”

“How can [Canadians] trust their data will be used to improve their lives when it’s used to bombard them with disinformation?” Bains said in his speech, which was obtained by MobileSyrup.

Bains said that there will be 10 principles “based on Canadian values against which all government policies, programs and legislation will be tested.”

The principles include:
Universal access
Safety and security
Control and consent
Transparency, portability and interoperability
Open and modern digital government
Level playing field
Data and digital for good
Strong democracy
Free from hate and violent extremism
Strong enforcement and real accountability

Bains explained in his speech that the first principle is the government’s commitment for Canadians to have an equal opportunity in accessing the digital world. The second is focusing on “integrity, authenticity, and security of services.”

He said the third principle will focus on helping Canadians have “control over what data they are sharing, how is using their personal data and for what purposes.”

The fifth principle is making sure Canadians are able to access digital services provided by the government, while the sixth is focusing on “fair competition in the online marketplace;” that will be to ensure Canadian businesses grow.

Bains said the seventh principle will focus on ensuring the “ethical use of data to create value, promote openness, and improve the lives of people,” while the eighth will focus on ensuring transparency of political discourse, defend freedom of expression and protect against online threats.

He noted the ninth principle will be to ensure that Canadians can expect “that digital platforms will not foster or disseminate hate, violent extremism or illegal content.”

Lastly, the tenth principle will ensure “there will be clear, meaningful penalties for violations of the laws and regulations that support these principles.”

He added that more information will be provided by Liberal colleagues in the coming weeks.

The news of the charter was announced at a time that various countries signed onto the “Christchurch Call,” including the same tech giants. The companies outlined a nine-point plan to help fight hate and extremism online.

The “Christchurch Call” was signed in an effort to combat hate speech and online disinformation after a gunman killed 51 people praying in a Mosque while live streaming it on Facebook.

Bains added that he has also sent a letter to the Competition Bureau “to ensure he has the tools necessary to promote competition and create a healthy environment.”

He also said that the government plans to launch the Data Governance Standardization Collaborative to “better coordinate the development and compatibility of data governance standards in Canada.” This will help create a level playing field in the digital economy.

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