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Don’t regulate us like radio, music streamer Spotify tells CRTC

Jun 20, 2025 | 12:26 PM

OTTAWA — Music streamer Spotify says Canada’s federal broadcast regulator shouldn’t impose rules meant for radio on streaming services.

Appearing before a CRTC hearing today, company representatives compared regulating Spotify like a radio station to treating Uber like a horse and buggy.

In its written submission, Spotify argued the CRTC doesn’t have the jurisdiction to extend rules governing commercial negotiations and disputes in the broadcast sector to online players.

The CRTC is holding a hearing on market dynamics as part of its work to implement the Online Streaming Act, which updated broadcasting laws to capture online platforms.