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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-292

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 17, 2022
Online Algorithm Transparency Act
  • Bill C-292, also known as the Online Algorithm Transparency Act, aims to ensure that online communication service providers do not use algorithms that result in unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on discrimination or any other grounds. The bill requires transparency in the use of algorithms and content moderation on online platforms. It prohibits online platforms from using personal information to discriminate against individuals in providing goods, services, or opportunities. Exceptions are made for internal testing and fair marketing to underrepresented groups. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to research and advise the Minister on the use of algorithms and discrimination.
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Context: House Hansard - 207 - Jun/6/23
Mr. Arif Virani (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Lib.)
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for her advocacy for the Muslim community in London, Ontario. The issue of Islamophobia is one that affects Muslims around this country and, indeed, around the world. It is an issue we must all continue to work vigilantly on. What I find very concerning is that today, a day when we are debating the budget, that very budget includes dedicated funds of over $50 million toward combatting racism and Islamophobia. Those are the types of initiatives all members of the House need to get behind.
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Context: House Hansard - 207 - Jun/6/23
Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP)
Mr. Speaker, it has been two years since the Afzaal family was targeted and brutally murdered in London. It is unthinkable that this could happen to a family in our city, but we have seen the amazing resilience that can counter white supremacy and Islamophobia. Communities are calling for the government to combat online hate and to support survivors of hate-motivated crimes. Will the government commit to establishing a national support fund for victims of hate-motivated crimes and support the NDP's online algorithm transparency act to help the Afzaal family and countless others?
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Context: House Hansard - 91 - Jun/17/22
Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP)
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-292, An Act respecting transparency for online algorithms. He said: Madam Speaker, with thanks to my seconder, the member for Hamilton Centre, today I am tabling an important bill, Bill C-292, an act respecting transparency for online algorithms. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that online platforms do not use algorithms and personal information to discriminate against anyone. This legislation is particularly timely, because as we have seen during this pandemic, there has been an unprecedented rise in online hate, disinformation and right-wing extremism. For years, online platforms have been using algorithms to discriminate, to make predictions or decisions about a user and to direct information by amplifying or promoting content to that user. The online algorithm transparency act would require transparency and accountability in all algorithms that are used. Other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, the European Union and New Zealand, are looking at implementing similar legislation. Of course, Senator Ed Markey has sponsored a landmark bill in the U.S. Senate. Anti-hate organizations are also calling for algorithm transparency. I urge all members of Parliament to support this important legislation.
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