Canada Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 and AI Regulations
- tech360.tv
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Canadian government introduced a new digital safety bill to ban social media for children under 16. The legislation includes exemptions for platforms that meet specific safety standards.
The bill also aims to make AI chatbots safer. A new digital regulator will be established to set up safety standards for these chatbots.
Companies that fail to comply could face significant financial penalties. The fines could reach 3% of global revenue or up to 10 million Canadian dollars, whichever amount is greater.
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller stated that social media platforms and AI chatbots are designed to capture attention. Miller noted they do not support healthy childhood development and cause anxiety, isolation, and depression.
The Minister added that the legislation will provide a safer environment for young Canadians. It aims to empower them to connect in-person, build friendships, focus in school, and learn real-world skills.
The introduction of the bill follows a lawsuit by families affected by a mass shooting against OpenAI. The lawsuit alleges the company knew the killer was planning the attack on ChatGPT but failed to warn police.
Government officials stated during a technical briefing that the bill could take a year to pass. It could take an additional 18 months to establish the digital regulator once the bill passes.
A spokesperson for Google, which owns YouTube, stated the company is committed to working with the federal government. The company aims to establish higher safety standards so parents have control over online experiences.
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a slim majority in Parliament. Parliament is scheduled to break for summer recess soon.
University of Toronto Associate Professor Brett Caraway stated the Canadian proposal is more comprehensive than the Australian law. Caraway focuses on technology and privacy.
Caraway explained the proposal involves a more complex set of platform obligations and redesigns. The goal is to redesign the social media ecosystem for children rather than just restricting access.
The scope of the Canadian law is also broader because it tackles AI as well. Australia previously enacted a social media ban for children under 16, resulting in companies deactivating nearly 5 million teenager accounts.
Other nations including France, Denmark, and Poland are considering tighter social media rules for children. Greece announced an access ban for children under the age of 15 that will begin in Jan. 2027.
Canada introduced a digital safety bill to ban social media for children under 16 and regulate AI chatbots.
Non-compliant companies face penalties of 3% of global revenue or up to 10 million Canadian dollars.
The legislation will establish a digital regulator to set safety standards for platforms and artificial intelligence.
Source: Reuters
