The Canadian government has unveiled a new bill that includes provisions to limit social media access for individuals under 16 years old. This legislation, presented by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, aims to address online harms and protect minors from harmful content and cyberbullying on digital platforms. The bill proposes to hold websites accountable for safeguarding children, although the specific enforcement mechanisms are still being refined.
This initiative comes after years of promises by the Liberal government to regulate social media and online safety. Previous attempts to introduce similar legislation, notably during the 2021 election campaign and in 2024, were unsuccessful. The proposed bill faced opposition, with concerns raised about its impact on free speech due to Criminal Code provisions.
The new legislation outlines the establishment of a Digital Safety Commission tasked with enforcing the law. This independent body would oversee compliance by monitoring websites, handling complaints, and imposing fines for violations. Penalties for non-compliance could amount to three percent of a company’s global revenue or $10 million, with the possibility of multiple fines for repeated infractions.
Social media companies will be required to adhere to the regulations set forth in the bill, with the commission ensuring their compliance. Companies may be exempt from certain restrictions if they implement adequate measures to protect young users, as outlined in the regulatory framework. The bill also addresses AI chatbots, requiring them to respond appropriately to expressions of self-harm or harmful intentions without necessitating police involvement.
The legislation covers platforms like Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and Snapchat, defining social media as tools that enable online communication and content sharing among users. While there will be no outright ban on chatbots for individuals under 16, regulations will govern their usage to ensure user safety.
For this bill to become law, it must pass through both houses of Parliament. Once it receives royal assent, the social media restrictions for minors will come into effect. However, the establishment of the Digital Safety Commission is expected to take up to 18 months post-enactment of the bill.