Executive Summary

The rapid evolution of digital technologies in Canada and globally is showing no signs of slowing. While new technologies can provide real benefits to Canadians and even offer solutions to our greatest social and economic challenges. However, digital technologies also introduce new challenges – and the speed at which they are emerging has created a sense of urgency for needed intervention.

Regulating digital technologies is easier said than done, as traditional approaches to rulemaking are not well-suited to the digital age and have been slow to have any material impact on protecting Canadians. For governments to meaningfully mitigate the challenges associated with emerging technologies and leverage their opportunities, a broader approach to regulatory action should be considered.

This report aims to provide a snapshot of what a reimagined approach could look like in practice. Case studies of relevant digital technologies are used to highlight common issues that regulators and policymakers face, and policy pathways for more effective regulatory approach are explored, such as:

• Building upon existing regulatory models by establishing principles to assess core values and objectives, shifting from reactive to proactive approaches, and developing strategies to put people first in a data-rich world.
• Investing in the public sector by improving intergovernmental cooperation, enhancing skills, capacity, and knowledge, and establishing a Digital Centre of Excellence.
• Incorporating complementary tools such risk-based approaches, standards-based solutions, and new legal frameworks.