The bill comes months after Australia enacted a similar ban designed to make internet usage safer for young people.
Canada’s government has introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, which will prohibit young people under the age of 16 from using social media, with an exception made for platforms that meet specific safety standards. Another goal of the bill is to make AI chatbots safer by setting up a digital regulator to establish safety standards.
Minister of Health Marjorie Michel said, “Social media platforms and AI chatbots are designed to capture attention. They do not support healthy childhood development and have become a source of anxiety, isolation, depression and a range of other mental health challenges for many young Canadians.
“The healthy development of our children begins with their physical and mental well-being, which is grounded in strong and healthy social connections. This legislation will provide a safer environment for young Canadians and empower them to connect in-person, build friendships, focus in school, and learn real-world skills so they can thrive.”
It could potentially take up to a year for the bill to pass and an additional six months to establish the digital regulator, additionally, the companies that fail to comply with the rules face penalties of 3pc of global revenue, or up to C$10m.
