IAB Canada Summer Policy Round-Up 

As Summer approaches, IAB Canada is pleased to share a snapshot of our latest advocacy work across the digital advertising and media landscape. From cross-border tax reform and privacy protection for children to the evolving creator economy and retail media trends, our engagement remains focused on supporting innovation, aligning with global standards, and safeguarding a thriving Canadian marketplace.  

This roundup offers an overview of the policy developments we’ve been tracking and contributing to – designed to keep our members informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve. 

Advancing a Cohesive Digital Economy 

IAB Canada contributes to promote a harmonized global digital landscape: 

  • Digital Tax Reform: Applauding Canada’s repeal of the DST while urging support for OECD-led multilateral tax solutions. 
  • Cross-Border Compliance: Advocating recognition of global privacy tools like the Global Privacy Platform (GPP), Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) Canada, and the IAB Tech Lab’s Data Deletion Request Framework (DDRF) to streamline responsible data practices.  
  • Innovation Ecosystem: Championing policies that value the mutual growth of creators, publishers, and platforms across borders. 

IAB Canada has convened the AI and Privacy Working Groups as we work towards submitting consultative communications for AI and Privacy. 

Child Privacy Code Consultation 

We’ve submitted thoughtful guidance to the OPC on protecting young users online: 

  • Differentiated standards for child vs general-audience sites using risk-based models. 
  • Industry-developed consent frameworks as standard codes of practice, default privacy protections, and education tools for digital literacy. 
  • Child-focused Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), transparent privacy notices, and dashboards for easy consent management.  

Watching U.S. Policy with Purpose 

“Big Beautiful Bill” – Canada avoids direct tax penalties for now. While direct tax penalties were excluded from the final bill, Canadian businesses must remain alert to policy ripple effects and evolving U.S. frameworks.  

  • No immediate U.S. surcharge – but uncertainty remains around future tax developments. 
  • Canada’s DST repeal may invite renewed security and trade pressure from U.S. lawmakers. 
  • Removal of the federal AI moratorium opens the door for state-level laws, which could impact Canadian access to ad tools and platforms. California has drafted an AI Bill that appears to be gaining traction. 
  • The potential return of Section 899 in future legislation may reintroduce tax risks. 
  • At home, Canada has actively been removing inter-provincial trade barriers enabling stronger Canadian trade opportunities.  

The Texas Age Verification law serves as a global signal on child protection: 

  • Requires ID-based age verification, possibly influencing future Canadian legislation.  
  • Impacts privacy, ad targeting, and content placement strategies under evolving online harms discussions. 

Complying with Quebec’s Provincial Regulations 

Law 25 has been in play in Quebec with IAB vendors and CMPs utilizing TCF frameworks to come into compliance with local requirements to disclose use of data. 

The Implementation of Bill 96 enforced French-first advertising and communication: 

  • Ads must prioritize French unless exempt – and the qualifications for that exemption are stringent. 
  • Contracts, employee communications, and digital content must meet language requirements. 
  • Non-compliance fines range from $3,000 to $30,000+ 

Things We’re Keeping an Eye On 

  • Canada EU Digital Trade Discussions – understanding the implications of the EU AI Act and further developments on the GDPR including Consent or Pay 
  • Federal Privacy Bill – expected to be tabled in Q4 
  • Legislation to officially repeal the DST. 
  • Developments on new AI Bill with new Minister of AI appointed. 

IAB Canada remains committed to advocating for practical, forward-looking policies that support innovation and protect consumer trust. As regulatory environments shift, we’ll continue sharing timely updates to help our members stay ahead and informed.  

If you would like to discuss this further or any other topics, please reach out to us at [email protected].