Canada's government has introduced legislation to parliament that could ban children younger than 16 from having social media accounts unless the companies demonstrate they can make their platforms safe. The move is part of a growing global effort to tighten online safety for minors.
Legislation Details
The bill covers seven types of harmful content, including material that induces children to harm themselves, incites violence, foments hatred, or involves non-consensual intimate images. A digital safety commission will be established, with criteria for exemptions to be announced later. Canadian Culture Minister Marc Miller stated, 'We are failing our children. Enough is enough. We need basic protection in place.'
Exemptions and Enforcement
Social media platforms can obtain an exemption if they implement sufficient safeguards. Age verification will also be required. Miller noted that setting up the regulator could take up to 18 months. Platforms offering adult content would not be eligible for exemptions.
Global Context
Countries including Australia, Brazil, and Indonesia have introduced or announced age-based restrictions for children's social media access. Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are studying or developing similar approaches. In Australia, social media companies revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children since the country banned use by those under 16, sparking debate on technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health.
AI Regulation
The legislation also regulates companies behind artificial intelligence chatbots, imposing a duty to act responsibly through measures such as crisis intervention protocols.
Support and Criticism
Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, applauded the move, noting that sextortion on social media has increased dramatically. A Canadian government official said authorities will try to learn lessons from Australia's experience.
