PolicyRegulatory ActionMay 25, 2026
CRTC mandates captions for online streaming services in Canada
The CRTC has introduced new rules that mandate online streaming services operating in Canada to provide captioning for their programming. This measure aims to enhance accessibility for Canadian individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
Key Takeaways
- Online streaming services operating in Canada must now provide captioning for their programming.
- The CRTC framed the rule as an accessibility measure for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
- The policy comes from the CRTC’s May 25 regulatory action.
Why It Matters
Streaming platforms operating in Canada now have a captioning requirement tied directly to accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing audiences. For the broader streaming ecosystem, this is a clear example of regulators extending baseline delivery obligations to online services, not just traditional broadcasters. The specific signal to watch is how quickly services update Canadian catalogs and whether the CRTC provides more detail on compliance timing or implementation guidance.
Read full article at broadcastdialogue.com