Bios
Michael Geist
Michael Geist, whose column runs weekly on The Tyee, holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. He can reached here or online at www.michaelgeist.ca.
Stories by Michael Geist
Could SOPA Pervade Canadian Copyright Law?
Media industry lobbyists push for Bill C-11 to increasingly resemble besieged US net piracy bill.
On Auction: Chance to Boost Digital Canada
Industry Minister to reveal terms of selling off highly valuable spectrum in near future.
The Day the Internet Fought Back
Digital blackout protest clearly upset SOPA laws, but don't cry victory just yet.
What's in a Domain Name?
A surprising link between new web address extensions and the future of Internet rule.
Are Canada's Digital Laws Unconstitutional?
Why a recent Supreme Court decision may spur challenges to e-privacy laws.
The Year Ahead in Tech Law and Policy
Using my latest crystal ball app, here's what I see happening in 2012.
The Year in Tech Law, from A to Z
'Twas a lively 12 months of copyright battles, CRTC controversies, and lawful access debates.
The Lawful Access Deception
Feds say bill requiring ISPs to release customer info will help fight web crime. Others cry foul.
Big Week for Copyright at Supreme Court
Canada's top court to review five 'highly contested' copyright concerns in coming days.
In Global Digital Economy, Canada Lags
Compared to peers, our digital policy is about as advanced as dial-up. Why not upgrade?
Indie Net Providers Win Freedom to Compete
Major ISPs can't slam smaller providers with usage-based price scheme, rules CRTC.
Your Website Under American Rule?
Proposed, 'aggressive' US laws to halt web piracy could affect Canadian sites, too.
How Serious Are Feds About Net Neutrality?
Complaints mount against Canada's big ISPs, testing resolve of enforcers.
Spamnation!
Canada’s anti-spam law languishes in limbo as lobby groups seek new exceptions.
Supreme Court of Canada Stands Up for the Internet
In ruling on defamation risk when hyperlinking, judges favour free speech.
Is the Feds' Open Initiative Now Closed?
Officials tout value of open government, but Canada's data and info website has been virtually abandoned.
CRTC's Online Video Report Leaves You Out
Consumers' persectives ignored as regulator wrings hands on behalf of broadcasters.
New Copyright Bill Keeps Flawed Digital Lock Rules
Why? Mainly to satisfying US pressure, not Canadian public opinion.
Peering Closely at Tories' Online Spying Wishes
Public debate on lawful access misses real dangers to what Conservatives want.
Download Wrong Film, You Might Owe $20,000
Why lawsuit against 'Hurt Locker' file sharers could hurt everyone.
Parties Take Note: Digital Policy Is a Provincial Issue
Yet so far digital issues are largely missing from Ontario's election campaign.
Wikileaks Show Canadian Officials Caving to US Pressure
Former minister offered to violate secrecy, leak copyright bill draft in advance.
Transition to Digital TV Offers Huge Opportunities
But will Canadians miss them? And more questions as switchover deadline arrives.
What's Souring Our BlackBerry Maker?
RIM's woes are partially a product of Canadian telecom policy.
Telecom Giants Lure Tory Ex-Ministers to Boardrooms
Why Bell pulled in Jim Prentice and Telus nabbed Stockwell Day.
New Rules for Web Domain Disputes
It worked for mentos.ca. Now, more ways to fight for your trademarked site.
Secret Identities Online and Defamation
Ontario court grapples with legalities of anonymous postings on the Net.
On Campus, Last Chapter for the Print Coursepack?
Canadian universities switch to tech savvy online alternatives.
Myth of the Clogged Internet
CRTC right to be wary of Big Telecom claims about congestion on the net.
Net Neutrality: A Failure to Enforce
Two years after CRTC's high profile hearings, the worst predictions have proven true.
Canada's Broadcast Laws Are Broken
Regulators don't seem to understand the key to fixing the system: competition.
CRTC Faces Charges of Bias
Regulator makes it hard for consumer groups to weigh in on issues related to online video.
Is Internet Access a Human Right?
A UN report says so, and Canada looks better than many other countries.
Cloudy Forecast for Music Cloud Services in Canada
Exciting new way to access tunes? Not here.
Minister from Abbotsford Holds Key to Health Care Costs
Ed Fast, Canada's new minister of trade, has a hot file on generic drugs.
To Do Memos for the New Ministers
'Mandate letters' the PM should send his cabinet members in the digital era.
Can Canadian Broadcasters Compete with Free?
No-charge streaming over the Net threatens satellite and cable TV models.
Web Surveillance Laws Require Study, Not Speed
Proposed, unvetted 'lawful access' bills raise red flags for privacy.
Harper's New Power to Make Digital Policy
Tory majority gives Ottawa a crack at breaking the tech-law logjam.
Apple and Sony Privacy Woes Point to Legal Holes
Millions of Canadians awaken to risks from undisclosed tracking and security breaches.
Parties Compete with Digital Policy Surprises
Tories focus on security. Grits on culture and connectivity. NDP would ban usage-based billing.
Why Don't Tories Like RIM's PlayBook?
Conservatives' copyright plans create hidden cost for Research in Motion's new tablet.
The Boxing Day Shopper Who Upended Canadian Privacy Law
What's personal information and what's not?
Streamed Broadcasting Will Make New Winners
You don't have to love college basketball to see the Net is opening new channels, profit possibilities.
How to Vote for the Internet
This is your chance to ask candidates about key digital issues. Here are ten.
Everything You Know About Pirates Is Wrong
Few copyright pirates are gangsters. The market, not the law, is to blame, says report.
Internet Governance Battle Heats Up
Who makes new 'dots' as US threatens independence of non-profit that creates domains?
Time to Let Foreigners Own Broadcasters?
Think Canadian owners assure protection of our culture? Think again.
US Gets Serious About Making College Free, Online
$2 billion in funding for open education materials is a game changer.
The Biggest Issue for Canadian Digital Policy
It's the so far obscure question of how to use the 700 MHz band. Five questions, actually.
Music Pirates Hardly Safe Here
Canadian recording industry files massive lawsuit against file swapping site, proving our laws are tough.
Fixing Canada's Uncompetitive Internet
Doing that will take more than a CRTC reversal on net metering.
When Media Giants Merge, What's the Worry?
US regulators fret about competition a lot more than our CRTC. Check the BCE-CTVglobemedia hearings.
Privacy Superhero Reveals Her Plan
Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart lays out her get strong, get tough agenda.
Canada's Digital Library a Grassroots Effort
Feds passing up chance to preserve, share nation's cultural heritage.
A Year of Big Digital Decisions
Supreme Court to play lead role in tech law in 2011.
The Year in Tech Law and Policy
An alphabet of historic moments for Canada's digital world during 2010.
Idea #2: Higher Ed Reaches the Tech Tipping Point
No longer will technology be treated as just a complement, rather than replacement, for traditional educational materials.
Shaw's Big Switcheroo
First the cable giant fought Net regulation. Now it wants more. What changed? Its business plan.
Wikileaks' Mobile Home
Shifting from one cloud provider to another is a breeze, as we saw when Amazon booted Wikileaks.
What's Your Privacy Worth?
Canadian courts set high bar for privacy damage awards.
Six Key Answers to Copyright Bill Questions
Separating facts from fiction ahead of government hearings on Bill C-32.
New Big Brother Laws Would Reshape Canada's Internet
Three bills would mandate new spyware to scoop your info with no court oversight, and broaden police powers to snoop.
Canada, Lost Land of Wireless Giants
Big three carriers still control the scene, which means higher prices and limited choice for consumers.
The Generational Privacy Divide
Younger people online are more willing to share info. Must they give up safeguards?
The Big Split in Canada's Book Industry
A wide divide over foreign ownership, and how feds deal with new digital reality.
Malcolm Gladwell's Wrong about Digital Advocacy
Social media's 'weak ties' should not be underestimated.
Change the Digital Locks: Tory Law Is Too Tight
Counterfeiting treaty conclusion leaves flexibility for made-in-Canada approach.
Canada's Cold Climate for Netflix's Cousins
Three reasons why US Net services are slow to migrate north.
'The Great Firewall of America'
That's what some call the US attempt to use domain names to regulate the Net.
Bell's CTV Buy Based on Failed Strategy
As is Shaw's Canwest purchase. Both bet on building 'walled gardens' that haven't worked.
Millions at Stake in Education Copyright Battle
Teachers and students are pushing back against rising fees for course packs.
Prying Loose the Grip of Broadband Giants
Three key competition concerns driving CRTC Internet provider policy.
Conrad Black Case Targets Net Defamation Standards
Courts ponder where it's right to try suits, given Web is global.
Big Win for Copyright Collectives
But court ruling also shows copyright fair dealing fears greatly exaggerated.
Did You Know There's a Telecom Complaints Czar?
Most don't. Yet phone and cable companies want its power cut.
Americans Now Digitally Freer than You
US permission to pick digital locks on DVDs, smartphones, e-books leaves Canadians locked out.
Digital TV Could Lead to New Divide
Feds ignore US aid example, refuse help for transition.
Protecting Pizza, Port and Parma™
Parma ham, by any other name, would smell sweet to EU trade negotiators
Court Whacks Plan to Boost Canadian Content on Web
Federal ruling deals blow to funding by taxing Internet providers.
Get Used to Geo-Blocking Online
The digital marketplace rewards businesses who do it, and don't expect politicians to change that.
Developing Nations Oppose Anti-Counterfeiting Pact
India, China, Brazil place Canada between a rock and the United States.
Unlocked iPhones Could Herald True Mobility
Finally, in July, you can buy one and not be tied to a specific wireless carrier.
Six Ways to Open up Canada's Digital Economy Strategy
It means opened government, academia, investment and more.
Mr. Clement, Loosen Those Digital Locks!
Canada's long-awaited copyright reform plan is flawed but fixable.
Internet Ad Words, a Rough Game
BC Court backs Vancouver Career College's aggressive buying of ad keywords.
Warning! Hackers Got Your Info!
You'd want to know. But new bill won't make hacked firms announce when they've failed to protect your data.
Sneak Peek at Canada's New Copyright Bill
Digital locks will make it hard to copy your CDs and DVDs. And what about snooping Internet providers?
Canada Needs a Digital Hero
The feds have finally made the digital economy a priority, but we need real leadership to overcome a decade of policy neglect.
Canada, Piracy Haven? Arrrgh
Keelhaul those lobbyists saying we're soft on copyright infringement! It's not true.
CRTC Stomps on the Music
Regulator won't let audience decide if Quebec needs a new TV music station. Emerging artists lose.
Your Privacy Ends at the Border
But the Google Buzz slam by 10 governments may signal a new day of global privacy protection.
Harper's Closed Windows
Most federal departments fail to provide transparency, but open data sites offer hope.
Secret Copyright Treaty Talks Spring a Leak
A leaked draft of the anti-counterfeiting agreement confirms fears about what it could mean for Internet freedom.
US Car Insurer Could Bring down Canada's Privacy Law
Court will decide if spied-on customer can demand info from State Farm.
Canada's Bizarre New Broadcast Policy
CRTC defends 'industry to detriment of consumers who remain powerless': dissenting commissioner.
Rockin' Proposal for Tunes Sharing
NDP MP Charlie Angus shakes up the Canadian copyright landscape.
Amazon, Friend to Canadian Authors?
Online bookseller restrictions are about limiting competition, not enhancing culture.
Why Voting by Internet Is a Bad Idea
It seems like a boon to democracy, until you examine the dangers.
Ottawa's New Chance to Join the 21st Century
Parliamentary restart offers opportunity to prioritize digital agenda.
Tech Giants Defend Canadian Copyright Law
Biggies like Microsoft and Google are fine with it, but not US government.
Net Throttling Hasn't Stopped
Canadian Internet service providers fall short on net neutrality rules, testing CRTC's patience.
Advantage, Little Guy
Ontario court says consumers can't click away class action rights.
Way to Open up, NFB!
The National Film Board's super-accessible Screening Room hosted 3.7 million film views in its first year.
Global Deal Might Let Officials Unplug Your Internet
Secret summit to focus on how to punish suspected copyright violators, even if proof is lacking.
Dinosaurs Laughed at Facebook Revolt
Critics misjudged the power of digital advocacy as anti-proroguing backlash grew.
A Yes Men Double Fake?
Did shutting down activists' fake website lead to another hoax?
Canada's Digital Power List
Ten players who will shape Canadian tech law and policy in 2010.
2009, a Digital Flashback
An A to Z review of very active year of tech law and policy.
Europe the Trade Bully
Leaked draft of intellectual property deal targets entire Canadian economy.
C'mon Canada, Open Up!
Compared to US and others, our government drags its feet on open data initiatives.
Canadian Recording Biz Faces $6 Billion Suit
Late jazz great Chet Baker at centre of massive copyright infringement case.
The Right Way to Fight Child Porn?
Legislative proposals signal new policing requirements for Internet providers.
What the Broadcasters Really Want
It's not just about adding new cable fees to help their profits. They also want to block US signals.
Who Gets to Own a Telecom Firm in Canada?
Upstart Wind Mobile wants to compete with the Big Three. But foreign investment rules might stop it. Is that old-fashioned?
Canada's Most Secret Treaty
Why don't they want us to know about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement?
Those TV Ads Where TV Companies Bash TV Companies
What's that about? Welcome to the 'fee for carriage' fight, and how to solve it.
Did Net Neutrality Just Die in Canada?
Some people are reading the CRTC report that way. Not so fast.
Canadian Universities Closed Minded on Open Access
It seems a no-brainer. Let the public see the research they pay for.
'Do Not Call' (Unless You're a Huge Corporation)
Thousands complain about telemarketing by wireless and banking giants, but CRTC is toothless.
Spammers Have Lobbyists! And They Might Win!
Who knew? In Ottawa, the anti-spam bill is down to the wire.
Police Want Your ISP
Do they really need a law giving them access to your Internet profile?
Why .ca Stands for Failure
Agency that oversees Canada's country code has shirked its public mission.
Privacy Law, Canada's Latest Export
Facebook ruling will affect 250 million users, but there's more.
Digitizing Our Heritage: Why Leave It to Google?
Did someone hit delete on Canada's digital national library?
You Wanted It, Tony Clement Killed It
How telco lobbyists stopped a tool to help you save cell phone money.
Where's Canada among Wireless Leaders?
An OECD report says we are expensive. But we have other hurdles, too.
Will Copyright Bill Be Obsolete on Arrival?
Designing one to last is Minister Clement's core concern.
Legal Smackdown: Bell, Rogers Fight over Net Speed
Titans square off in court over Internet service provider claims.
Open Government? Vancouver Leads
Digital 'crowdsourcing' and other promising civic experiments.
Bad Chapter for the Kindle E-Book Reader
Amazon reached into some people's devices and erased books.
Testimony Exposes How Firms 'Throttle' the Net
Four ways Ottawa might regulate the controversial practice.
No More Free TV
Over the air broadcast is over. Feds ok new cable and satellite fees. An era ends.
Battle for Digital Democracy Moves to the Hill
At hearings, big telecom, cable firms fight creator, consumer groups.
Tories Clement and Moore Get It!
Bolder, more inclusive digital future embraced by ministers.
Less Private, More Neutral, Low Spam
This is the future of the Canadian Internet if a trio of recent events are any indication.
Ottawa, Our Internet Is Down!
Canada badly needs a digital action plan. How to build it.
Is Canada Really the Illegal File Sharing Frontier?
And why that Wild West myth deserves some vigilante justice.
Oh So Slow Canada
Our high-speed Internet is pricey and pokey, global report says.
None of Your Business!
Should Amazon be able to patent 'one-click' shopping?
War on Spam: Victory Is Within Our Grasp
At last, Ottawa is primed to pass a law with serious teeth.
Secret, Sweeping Treaty with US in the Works
Battle over anti-counterfeiting agreement heats up.
Prepare to Download!
Songwriters' bid to legalize file sharing gets a rewrite.
Online Privacy Snatched by Courts
Decisions OK giving personal info to police without warrants.
Weather Network Thunders at Feds
Claims unfair restrictions mar Canada's wireless industry.
Old Ideas Won't Fix New Media
CRTC's online content hearings need to get serious about our future.
A Chance to Open up Canada's Wireless Market
Digital TV transition clears the way to 'WiFi on steroids.'
Plug in Our Digital TV!
US is two years ahead on switch over. How that hurts Canadians.
Canada's Dumb Scrap with China
US bullied us into an ill-founded trade complaint. Now we look silly.
Canada's Do-Not-Call Disaster
How a good idea to protect your privacy was bungled.
How Canada Post Censored Union Vids on YouTube
And why our laws need to catch up.
Fire Up the Digital Jobs Machine
Flaherty budget needs to broadly define 'infrastructure projects.'
Bright New Day for Music Sharers
Industry backs down on its digital crack down.
Crystal Ball for Media Activism
A guess at when and how big digital decisions will go down in 2009.
Fate of Canada's Net Content Coming into Focus
Two visions for Internet weighed by CRTC.
Launch Your Own Blockbuster
Longer indie films seek big audiences on the Web.
Canada, the New Spam Haven
Tough laws are proven to trim the flood of e-junk. We opt to be lawless.
Copyright Bill: Born in USA?
Industry urging feds to follow Washington's lead.
Locking Down the Internet
The push to make service providers police content.
Law Eases Net Snooping
Privacy watchdog fears new copyright regs.
Global Online Ed: Where's Canada?
World embraces 'Open Courseware' but only Capilano College joins.
Heads up, Digital Wonks!
Eight tech law issues to watch in 2008.
The Letters of the Law
The ABCs of a 'rarely dull' year in tech law.
This Was the Year of Facebook
Citizens use social media to create social change.
How Next Billion Users Will Reshape the Internet
It's an open source future.
Tories' Cellphone Misdial
Canadians deserve a wide open wireless market.
Private E-mail Not Hush Hush
Why BC firm gave clients' 'hushmail' to US cops.
Slaves to TV Ads?
All I want for Christmas is a legal TiVo.
Digitize Our Memories!
Canada's info strategy trails US and others.
They're Shrinking the Internet
More control for broadcasters, less for Canadians.
Why a Great Music Site Died
Global library of musical scores caught in copyright limbo.
Feds Offload Do-Not-Call List
Will outsource phone privacy protection to telecoms.
Music Biz Wants Crackdown
Misguided industry pressing PM to nail music copiers.
The Internet Grab
Big providers want to force a 'two tier' Net.
The End of Privacy?
Laws can't keep pace with digital advances.
Stop Protecting Broadcasters
Feds should end free ride for Canada's Big Media.
False Alarm on Counterfeiting
RCMP's dire data is fatally flawed.
Making Health Info Free
Feds' new health research policy a win for 'open access.'
Unlock My Cell Phone!
Why can't Canadians switch our devices to other carriers?
Overhaul the Federal Culture Engine
Canadian Heritage must face up to new digital reality.
Canada's Path to Digital Competitiveness
Hint: Deregulation isn't the silver bullet.
Cracking Open Social Networks
The world's new 'walled gardens' online.
iPod Levy May Yet Face the Music
Unpopular new ruling reveals flaws in current copyright system.
Clicking Away Your Rights?
Top court Dell decision sets standards for online contracts.
Slow Canada
Mobile internet is powerful, but we're losing the race.
New Media's 'Defining Challenge'
Job one for new CRTC chief: ensure 'net neutrality.'
Silencing Sports Bloggers
2010 Olympics may test limits of corporate control, free speech.
No Stopping Canadian Telemarketers
CRTC: Your call for a 'Do-not-call' registry is important to us, really.
- Appeal court upholds ruling on protection of orca habitat
- Foreign takeover score is 14,218 to two calculates Mel Hurtig, who speaks Saturday
- Abbott blames teachers' union, hints at legislation
- Greens exaggerating fracking fears 'to control you': Santorum
- Prime Minister Harper mixes oil with human rights on visit to China
- Civil jury finds former BC premier Vander Zalm guilty of defamation
- Vancouver theatre runs down curtain on section of BC's outdated liquor laws
- BC Premier Clark to replace throne speech with radio appearance
- 'The Kids Are All Right'
- 'Leave Your Shoes On'
- Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
- Frankie Rose Makes Life Tougher for Journalists
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Becoming the Ethical Hunter
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Could SOPA Pervade Canadian Copyright Law?
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bill Rees' Last Lecture
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- Harper in China
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- Remembering Lloyd Dykk's Wit, Generosity and Superb Prose
- BC Child Care Advocates in Geneva to Complain to UN
- BC, You Love You
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Who Pays Huge Power Bills for Clark's Gas Plants?
- Make It the Canadian Webcasting Corporation
- Harper in China
- When the Prize Is a Chance to Toil on BC's Farms
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Time to Zip John Baird's Loose Lips
- Foreign Trade Zones Eyed for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Prince George
- Board, BC mayors make the case for Vancouver transit audit
- Tensions flare over Vancouver-owned mine in Oaxaca
- Osoyoos Times editor apologizes for comments on RCMP
- BC premier delivers talk show 'throne speech'
- NDP leadership: Thomas Mulcair ahead on first ballot, internal poll suggests
- Sky is the limit for use of mini, unmanned planes
- Prime Minister by day, oil exec by night
- Animal-made 'art' challenges human monopoly on creativity
