Canada proposes chatbot law amid global regulatory push

The legislation establishes a new Digital Safety Commission to oversee these regulations. Experts note that Canada's approach is informed by existing frameworks in other countries, acknowledging a late entry into the policy space. Taylor Owen of McGill University highlighted that the bill learns from international attempts to regulate online harms.

Globally, other nations are also grappling with AI regulation. Britain's Online Safety Act already includes provisions for age checks and content restrictions, with a focus on flexibility to adapt to technological changes. In the United States, multiple bills are under consideration in Congress, though progress is challenged by political division and lobbying efforts. Some US states, like New York, have also passed legislation requiring protections for minors.

Australia, having previously banned social media for those under 16, is now considering extending similar curbs to chatbots. The European Union's comprehensive AI Act addresses chatbots, and the bloc has recently moved to ban AI systems that generate sexualized deepfakes, with an ongoing probe into xAI's Grok chatbot. Individual EU member states, such as Italy, have taken action, with Italy barring the Replika chatbot over data protection and age verification issues.

China has been proactive in restricting minors' access to AI chatbots, with new rules effective July 15 prohibiting virtual companions or romantic partners for under-18s and requiring parental consent for interactions with younger children. The Chinese government also plans to scrutinize the algorithms powering these chatbots.