Canada is preparing to introduce legislation that could ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms as part of a broader effort to strengthen online safety, according to a report by The Globe and Mail.
The proposed Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament this week and would also create a new digital regulator responsible for developing safety standards for online platforms.
New regulator to oversee online safety
According to the report cited by NDTV, the legislation is expected to be tabled on Wednesday and will be overseen by Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller.
Under the proposed framework, social media companies would need to comply with safety requirements set by the new regulator. Platforms that meet those standards could later seek approval to allow younger teenagers to access their services.
The measures form part of a wider digital safety package aimed at addressing concerns about harmful online content and risks facing children and teenagers.
Focus on AI chatbots and harmful content
The legislation is also expected to target emerging concerns linked to artificial intelligence systems, particularly AI chatbots designed to function as digital companions.
According to the report, lawmakers are concerned about cases in which AI systems have allegedly provided dangerous guidance to vulnerable users, including coaching children on suicide or offering advice on hiding eating disorders, reported NDTV.
The proposed bill would require technology companies to take broader steps to reduce harmful content online and strengthen protections for younger users.
Revival of earlier child safety measures
The legislation is also expected to revive provisions from previous bills that failed to become law.
These include requirements for platforms to quickly remove child sexual abuse material and reduce children's exposure to content that promotes self-harm.
Another proposed measure would require AI companies to be more transparent about the criteria they use when deciding whether to alert law enforcement after users express intentions to harm themselves or others.
School shooting case adds urgency
The debate around online safety gained renewed attention following a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, earlier this year.
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According to The Globe and Mail, conversations between the shooter and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI had been flagged internally because they involved discussions related to gun violence scenarios. However, the interactions were reportedly not reported to police.
The proposed legislation is expected to face parliamentary scrutiny as Canada considers new rules governing both social media platforms and artificial intelligence systems.
FAQs:
Why is Canada introducing these proposed measures?
The legislation is aimed at addressing concerns about harmful online content, child safety and risks linked to AI systems.
Will the proposed Bill affect AI companies as well?
Yes, the legislation is expected to include transparency requirements and safety measures for AI chatbot providers.
