Canada Introduces Bill To Restrict Social Media Access For Under-16s
Canada introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, to restrict under-16s from accessing social media platforms unless companies demonstrate adequate safeguards. The legislation also regulates AI chatbot services like ChatGPT and establishes a Digital Safety Commission to oversee compliance, with potential penalties up to CAD 10 million or 3% of global revenue for violations.
Canada’s government introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, on Wednesday, aiming to restrict social media access for children under 16 unless platforms implement sufficient safeguards. Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism Marc Miller announced the bill, which also targets AI chatbot services like ChatGPT by requiring new safety measures for online platforms. The legislation seeks to shift responsibility from reactive harm responses to proactive prevention, ensuring companies address risks such as cyberbullying or harassment before they occur. It introduces age restrictions for social media accounts while allowing exemptions if providers demonstrate robust child protection measures. The bill also mandates that children’s safety be central to product design, reducing exposure to harmful content and high-risk interactions. A Digital Safety Commission of Canada will oversee compliance with the new rules, with violations subject to fines of up to CAD 10 million or 3% of a company’s global revenue. The move aligns Canada with other nations, including Australia, which has already enacted similar restrictions, while the UK, France, Greece, Spain, and Malaysia are exploring comparable measures. The bill follows years of debate and a failed 2024 attempt to pass online safety legislation before the 2025 election. Critics, including the Conservative opposition, argue that some Criminal Code provisions could limit free speech. Miller addressed past concerns, stating that earlier versions represented an ‘overreach’ and that the current bill avoids inserting unnecessary criminal repercussions. The legislation reflects a broader global push to strengthen online protections for children amid growing concerns over digital harms. If passed, it would mark a significant step in holding platforms accountable for safeguarding young users.
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