Quebec's attempt to ban its citizens' access to online gambling websites unauthorized by the state-run gambling corporation is unconstitutional because it infringes upon federal jurisdiction, indicated a recent Superior Court ruling.
The province adopted legislation in 2016 forcing internet service providers to block access to online gambling sites unauthorized by Loto-Quebec, sparking accusations the government was trying to censor part of the internet and violate the concept of net neutrality.
"Net neutrality" is understood to mean that internet companies should be neutral carriers of content and not favor some sites over others or block access to certain sites.
But Quebec didn't have the authority to do that because its law touched on telecommunications and criminal law, both federal competencies, the court ruled in a July 18 decision.
"(The ruling) sends a strong message to the Quebec government and to any provincial government that might think regulating the internet through mandating blocking schemes is the way to go," said University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist (pictured)
