Canada just told Big Tech to keep its hands off the kids, sort of. The country introduced sweeping digital safety legislation on June 10 that would prohibit social media platforms from letting anyone under 16 create an account.
But here’s the thing. The law comes with a built-in escape hatch: platforms that can demonstrate they have effective protections against harms like bullying and self-harm content can apply for exemptions.
What the legislation actually does
The bill creates a new digital regulator whose job is to set safety standards for online platforms operating in Canada. It also introduces specific rules governing AI chatbots.
Companies that don’t comply face real financial consequences. Penalties can reach up to 3% of a firm’s global revenue or a maximum of C$10 million, whichever stings more.
