Quebec Legislation May Force Digital Platforms to Increase French Content

Quebec is taking a bold step in ensuring that digital platforms prioritize French content for Quebec consumers. The province’s Culture and Communications Minister, Mathieu Lacombe, has announced plans to introduce legislation that will require platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV+, and others to enhance their French offerings.

Key Points:

– The proposed legislation challenges the traditional belief that digital platform regulation is solely under federal jurisdiction.
– A panel created by the Coalition Avenir Québec government conducted a 65-page report titled “The cultural sovereignty of Quebec in a digital era” to investigate the impact of English content dominance on Quebec culture.
– Data from l’Observatoire de la culture et des communications de L’Institut de la statistique du Québec revealed a significant disparity in the streaming of French versus English content in Quebec.
– The report proposes amendments to the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms, international strategies for linguistic diversity, and quotas for French content on digital platforms.
– Support for this initiative comes from various quarters including the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN).

This legislation could have far-reaching implications beyond just Netflix and Spotify. Platforms like Apple TV+ and Disney+ would also need to comply with these regulations.

Minister Lacombe emphasized that they are committed to implementing these changes and ensuring access to quality French cultural products on digital platforms. Stay tuned as Quebec moves forward with this groundbreaking legislation!