Living in a connected world means that global platforms are part of everyday life. Online shopping, streaming, gaming, and finance apps are everywhere. As one of Canada's most multicultural and digitally active cities, Toronto is more plugged into the world than most. While these services provide convenience and new opportunities, they also bring up a challenging question: how do they fit with local regulations that were established many years ago?
The law around digital platforms is sometimes unclear, particularly for a platform that operates across multiple jurisdictions. This is reflected in iGaming, where offshore sites offer Canadians alternatives to domestic operators. When you look at how offshore casino licensing works in other jurisdictions, these platforms often provide players with extensive game collections, appealing bonuses, and faster withdrawal options.
This shows that international operators can offer a more seamless experience while still complying with other legal frameworks. Yet, they also point out the problem of balancing innovation and compliance in the event that national and provincial laws differ.
For Toronto, it is simply a question of interpretation and transference of rules. The provinces, including Ontario, have their own gaming regulations that lay out what is legal. However, offshore sites that are licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta or Curacao are still popular with Canadian players, as Canadian law does not explicitly prohibit access to them for players. These circumstances leave regulators in an unwinnable position: to either enforce rules or accept global competition as serving the needs of consumers.
Tension can be seen between gaming and payment structures even beyond the gambling industry. Many Canadians in Toronto use international fintech platforms like PayPal, Revolut or Wise to send and receive money. While these platforms are often quicker and more affordable than traditional banks, they are also subject to a combination of global and local regulations.
Security, taxes, and the transparency of data are also factors that raise concerns when transactions are carried out across borders. While policymakers strive to make sure these services meet Canadian financial standards without hindering innovation, customers enjoy the convenience of these types of payment options.
The second conflicting issue is that of privacy. Some of the world's largest technology firms possess large volumes of personal information about Canadians, and Canadian privacy law, regulated by PIPEDA, does not always comply with the stricter standards found in jurisdictions such as the European Union. For instance, a company located overseas may provide services to people in Toronto but store their data on servers located outside of Canada, where privacy laws are weaker and not aligned with Canadian standards. This can leave users wondering who has access to their data and what it is being used for.
Refunding and consumer protection are yet one more hassle. Toronto residents buying from foreign platforms are only guaranteed a refund depending on the country and its laws where the business is registered. Canadian consumers may be subject to dispute resolution proceedings enforced by foreign laws. Buyers may find that some of the protections that they believe they are entitled to under Canadian law are not afforded to them as a result of buying on international marketplaces.
Local regulators have begun to recognize these cross-border problems, but progress can be slow. This may call for federal and provincial coordination, as well as participation from international businesses that might not have a direct presence in Canada. However, as a hub of innovation and creativity in the digital realm, Toronto stands a chance to influence the future response of Canada to the challenges of the digital world. An increasing number of Canadians demand transparency, fair regulation, and competitive markets.
