Court rejects Quebec’s bid to ban citizens’ access to private online gaming sites
MONTREAL — Quebec’s attempt to ban its citizens’ access to online gaming 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.
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 Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association challenged the legislation — which had not come into effect — and said Tuesday it was pleased with the ruling.