Government Seeks Stronger Online Protections for Young Users
The Canadian government has introduced a sweeping digital safety bill that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms unless those services meet specific safety requirements established by regulators.
The proposed legislation, titled the Digital Safety Act, aims to strengthen online protections for young people and address concerns about the impact of social media and artificial intelligence technologies on mental health and wellbeing.
Under the bill, social media companies and AI chatbot providers would be required to identify and manage risks associated with their platforms. Additionally, the legislation would establish a new digital regulator responsible for developing and enforcing safety standards.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller said the initiative responds to growing concerns about online harms and their effects on children and teenagers. He argued that digital platforms often prioritize user engagement through features such as recommendation algorithms, autoplay functions, and endless scrolling, which can increase exposure to harmful content.
Companies that fail to comply with the proposed regulations could face penalties of up to C$10 million or three percent of their global revenue, whichever amount is greater.
AI Chatbots and Social Platforms Face New Compliance Requirements
Meanwhile, the legislation introduces broader obligations for technology companies. Platforms would need to implement age-appropriate safety features, provide tools for blocking and reporting harmful content, and take proactive steps to reduce online risks.
The proposal also seeks to require social media companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 24 hours after they are reported. Furthermore, AI chatbot services would be subject to new oversight measures aimed at improving safety and accountability.
Government officials stated that artificial intelligence has created additional challenges, arguing that existing digital regulations have not kept pace with the speed and scale of emerging online threats.
The bill arrives amid increasing international efforts to regulate children’s access to social media. Australia previously became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for users under 16, while several European countries are considering similar measures.
According to officials, the legislation could take up to a year to pass through Parliament. Once approved, establishing the new digital regulator may require an additional 18 months.
If enacted, the Digital Safety Act would represent one of Canada’s most comprehensive efforts to regulate online platforms, strengthen protections for minors, and increase oversight of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies.
