The government has formally approved the legislation, which will allow companies to launch new websites and blogs and make changes to existing ones.
The new law also removes existing restrictions on the use of social media, allowing companies to share their content without fear of prosecution.
The law also allows for the creation of online news portals and the sharing of news with others, as long as they adhere to certain guidelines.
The legislation also creates new rules for the sale of new digital content, including social media posts.
Stephen Harper’s Conservatives have faced criticism for the law, which was crafted in the early days of his leadership by an experienced federal bureaucrat.
It came into effect last year, in the face of mounting concerns over the impact it was having on free speech online.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the legislation will make the country a leader in the digital age.
“The government is proud of our new approach to free expression and the open exchange of ideas, which includes the protection of personal information,” said spokesperson Lisa Raitt.
“With this important legislation, Canadians can enjoy the benefits of the internet without fear, which is a crucial ingredient in making the internet great for Canadians and for our country.”
The Conservative government’s initial reaction to the bill came from some conservative voices.
Conservative MP Erin O’Toole tweeted that the legislation is an example of a “conservative government using an outdated and outdated law to stifle dissent.”
“This is not a free speech bill, it is an old-fashioned government takeover of what Canadians are allowed to say online,” O’Reilly said in a statement.
“It’s time to put an end to this Liberal government’s overreach and take the next step.”
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said the law is “anti-free speech and will stifle free speech.”
“The Harper government has decided to create a law that allows corporations to sue governments for regulating their free speech,” said Adam Taylor, an advocacy officer with the centre.
“This bill gives corporations more power to sue and, for the first time in Canada, a government can sue itself.
This is a terrible day for democracy.”
The bill was tabled at the last minute and the government has until the end of February to act.
The Liberals were not part of the initial push to get rid of the old laws, which were part of former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper.
The Conservatives, meanwhile, are taking the bill in stride, saying they’re only taking steps to address what they call “threats” posed by social media.
“There are many threats out there, but threats are only as strong as their perpetrators,” said Conservative MP Lisa Raitch in a news conference last month.
“We need to build a robust and robust law-making body so we can address these threats.
We’re taking a very cautious approach to the law to protect Canadians’ right to freedom of speech.”
