Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has indicated that the ban on social media and AI chatbots for children in his province may impact teachers’ use of YouTube in the classroom. This decision coincides with ongoing deliberations at the federal level regarding potential similar restrictions.
During an interview with CBC’s “The House,” Kinew expressed concerns about the use of YouTube in classrooms due to features like autoplay and recommendation engines, even on platforms like YouTube Kids. He suggested that a modified version of YouTube without these features could be acceptable for younger age groups under supervision.
Manitoba recently announced a groundbreaking ban on social media and AI chatbots for children, making it the first of its kind in Canada. The province plans to implement the initial phase of this ban in schools, following a similar approach to the restriction on cellphones introduced in 2024.
At the federal level, Culture Minister Marc Miller has stated that the government is seriously considering imposing comparable restrictions, although no final decision has been reached. This deliberation follows the passing of non-binding resolutions within the Liberal Party urging restrictions on social media accounts for users under 16 and a ban on AI chatbots for minors.
In a report by The Logic citing unnamed sources, it was revealed that the federal government is moving forward with regulations on social media and is contemplating expanding these rules to include AI chatbots. However, CBC News has not independently verified The Logic’s claims.
As discussions continue, various viewpoints have emerged among students regarding the potential ban on social media. While some students at Sacred Heart High School are apprehensive about the impact of a ban, others, like Mya, who has benefited from parental restrictions on social media use, see it as a positive influence on their lives.
Meta Canada’s head of public policy, Rachel Curran, stated that the company would comply with any ban imposed by the government, emphasizing the importance of addressing parental and policy concerns effectively. She highlighted the challenges of age verification in the industry and proposed a tiered approach to age protection for different age groups.
Despite potential federal regulations, Premier Kinew reiterated Manitoba’s commitment to implementing its ban on social media and AI chatbots. He emphasized the province’s responsibility to safeguard children from online harm and protect their privacy from exploitation by tech giants.
In response, Curran emphasized Meta’s dedication to creating a safe online environment for youth, emphasizing shared goals with the government in promoting positive experiences on their platforms. She refuted claims that profit motives were driving Meta’s stance on the issue, emphasizing a mutual interest in ensuring a secure digital space for young users.