Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration is set to introduce a bill on Wednesday aimed at restricting young Canadians’ use of social media platforms and implementing online safety standards. The government hinted that the upcoming legislation will enhance the safety of social media services and AI chatbots for children.
Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “I think it’s obvious why it’s a priority. Kids are dying.” The proposed bill, as reported by the Globe and Mail earlier this week, includes plans to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media, address potential harms related to AI chatbots, and establish a new digital regulator to enforce safety guidelines.
According to sources, companies meeting the specified criteria will be allowed to permit young Canadians back on their platforms. The bill is expected to include some form of ban, with regulations specifically targeting AI chatbots to ensure child protection and incorporate age verification measures.
Taylor Owen, holding the Beaverbrook Chair in Ethics, Media, and Communications at McGill University, who advised the government on online safety, suggested a regulatory framework for social media companies to follow, including risk assessments, transparency requirements, and age-appropriate designs. He also called for age-appropriate measures to address AI products like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok.
The government’s previous attempt at introducing an online harms bill was halted when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament in early 2025. The failed bill aimed to amend the Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act to address various online harms, including cyberbullying, hate speech, and sexual content without consent.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the government’s approach, arguing that online harms should be dealt with by law enforcement rather than creating new regulatory bodies. Justice Minister Sean Fraser defended the government’s stance, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety without compromising individual freedoms.
As the new bill is awaited, reactions from different political figures vary. Conservative MP Kevin Waugh called for better parental supervision, while NDP Leader Avi Lewis stressed the need for regulations to protect individuals from online harms and prevent tech companies from exploiting data. The upcoming legislation is closely monitored as several countries, including Australia, have taken steps to regulate children’s access to social media platforms.