A new commentary warns that the prospect of government licensing for newspapers, websites, and streaming services could undermine free speech—especially for conservatives. Proponents of regulation face steep First Amendment hurdles, leaving critics to say the idea is “a constitutional nonstarter.”

In a bold appeal to Canada’s broadcast regulator, Spotify argued that imposing traditional radio regulations on streaming services is outdated. Company representatives likened such regulation to treating Uber like a horse and buggy during a recent CRTC hearing.