The Canadian government's Online Harms Act, or Bill C-63, has sparked controversy for its potential to imprison adults for life if they advocate for genocide and impose house arrest and fines based on the belief that a defendant "will commit" an offense. Critics, including author Margaret Atwood, have labeled the bill as Orwellian and totalitarian, while supporters argue it is necessary to protect children from online dangers. The bill, aimed at making social media safer, has drawn criticism for government overreach and concerns about free speech.
The Canadian government's proposed Online Harms Act, or Bill C-63, has sparked controversy for potentially allowing judges to imprison adults for life if they advocate for genocide, as well as imposing house arrest and fines based on the belief that a defendant "will commit" an offense. Critics, including author Margaret Atwood and conservative author Stephen Moore, have condemned the bill as Orwellian and totalitarian, while Justice Minister Arif Virani argues that the legislation is necessary to protect children from online dangers.
The Canadian government's proposed Online Harms Act, or Bill C-36, has sparked controversy for its potential to imprison adults for life if they advocate for genocide and impose house arrest and fines based on the belief that a defendant "will commit" an offense. Critics, including author Margaret Atwood, have labeled the bill as Orwellian and totalitarian, while Justice Minister Arif Virani argues that it is necessary to protect children from online dangers.
Nathaniel Pawlowski, the son of a Canadian pastor facing potential prison time for delivering a sermon, received a standing ovation from the European Parliament as he pleaded for international pressure in his father's case. Pastor Artur Pawlowski has been in conflict with authorities in Calgary, Alberta, after refusing to comply with COVID-19 regulations. Nathaniel Pawlowski warned that Canadian freedoms are eroding, citing restrictions on religion, speech, protest, and media. He likened Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to a "modern-day Caligula" and urged the EU Parliament to intervene. The pastor's son himself faces charges for preaching outside a drag queen story hour.
