Canada has introduced a new bill that would ban children under 16 from having social media accounts, placing the country among governments moving to restrict young users’ access to major online platforms.
Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, introduced the Safe Social Media Act, which sets new requirements for social media services and AI platforms. The bill follows similar moves or proposals in countries including Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as governments respond to concerns over online safety, child exploitation, and youth mental health.
The Safe Social Media Act would prevent children under 16 from creating or holding social media accounts.
The bill also requires social media services to design their products with stronger protections for children. Platforms would be expected to remove deepfakes and content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor.
The legislation also calls for clearer labels for AI-generated content, easier ways to report harmful material, and tools that allow users to block others. These measures are meant to reduce further exposure to harmful content.
Companies that fail to comply could face financial penalties.
Reuters reported that penalties could reach up to 3% of global revenue or $10 million, whichever is higher.
The bill must still pass through the legislative process before becoming law.
The bill does not ban children from using AI chatbot services in the same way it restricts social media accounts.
Miller said chatbots are not as well-studied as social media platforms and do not play the same social role. However, the legislation still includes requirements for AI chatbot services.
AI platforms would be expected to reduce the risk of chatbots communicating harmful content or engaging in harmful behavior. They would also need emergency measures for crises.
The chatbot rules appear to respond in part to public concern over OpenAI’s handling of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, which has been cited in reporting on the bill.
The detailed rules for platforms will be set by the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, a new regulator created through a separate Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act.
The commission will enforce the rules and decide how platforms must comply. It will also be able to grant exemptions if it finds that a platform has enough safeguards for children.
According to AP, setting up the regulator could take up to 18 months. Reuters reported that implementation may take up to 30 months.