Commentary
If you are curious about the potential chaos that Canada’s Online Harms Act could create, look no further than Scotland, the land of my ancestors.
Scotland has seen controversial policies emerge from its leadership. Former Scottish National Party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, faced backlash for advocating transgender inmates’ right to serve time in women’s prisons, leading to the end of her leadership. The current First Minister, Humza Yousaf, continues to push a woke agenda that has drawn criticism from civil libertarians, particularly for his crackdown on hate speech.
Renowned author J.K. Rowling challenged the hate speech laws in Scotland, sparking a debate about free speech. Celebrities like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan have also criticized the legislation.
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While Scotland’s situation may seem extreme, it serves as a warning for Canadians as the Online Harms Act introduces similar regulations. The act could empower individuals to report offensive content, potentially leading to a flood of complaints and legal actions.
Former Canadian Human Rights Tribunal chair, David Thomas, has criticized the act for its potential to stifle free speech and overwhelm the tribunal with cases. The legislation’s broad scope and penalties raise concerns about due process and the fairness of the legal system.
The government claims the act aims to protect children online, but critics argue it includes draconian measures that could have far-reaching consequences, such as life imprisonment for advocating genocide.
It is concerning to see countries like Scotland, known for their fight for liberty, embrace restrictive measures that limit freedom of expression. Canada must tread carefully to avoid following the same path.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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