Key facts
- Canada proposed legislation to ban social media access for individuals under 16.
- Platforms can be exempt if they demonstrate sufficient safety measures.
- The bill addresses harmful content, including incitement to violence and non-consensual intimate images.
- A new Digital Safety Commission of Canada will be established to oversee compliance.
- AI chatbot companies will also be regulated under the new legislation.
- Penalties for non-compliance include 3% of global revenue or C$10 million.
Canada has introduced legislation that could ban social media access for children under 16, requiring platforms to demonstrate sufficient safety measures to be exempt. The bill, introduced on Wednesday, aims to protect minors from harmful online content, including material that incites violence, hatred, or involves non-consensual intimate images.
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller stated, "We are failing our children. Enough is enough," emphasizing the need for basic protections. The legislation also extends to regulating AI chatbot companies, imposing a duty to act responsibly. A new body, the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, will be established to oversee these regulations, with its setup estimated to take up to 18 months.
Canada is following the lead of countries like Australia, which has already implemented a ban on social media for those under 16. Officials indicated that lessons learned from Australia's experience, which sparked debate on technology use, privacy, and mental health, will inform Canada's approach. Several other nations are also exploring or developing similar age-based restrictions for children's online activities.
Platforms that offer adult content will not be eligible for exemptions under the proposed Canadian law. Penalties for non-compliance could reach 3% of a company's global revenue or C$10 million, whichever is greater.