Ottawa: Canada has unveiled plans to ban children and teenagers under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, following a path similar to Australia’s landmark legislation aimed at protecting minors online.
The proposed law, however, offers technology companies a potential exemption if they can prove they have effective measures in place to minimise harm to young users. The proposed legislation, known as the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced in the House of Commons by Culture Minister Marc Miller and includes broad provisions to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots, tackle harmful online content, and establish a new regulatory body to oversee compliance.
Focus on child safety
The Canadian government says the legislation is designed to strengthen protections for children with growing concerns about the impact of social media and online platforms on young people. Miller stressed the urgency of addressing online harms, stating that protecting children remains a top government priority.
The bill would require social media companies to take stronger action against content that targets children, promotes hatred, or incites violence. Violations could result in penalties of up to $7.16 million (C$10 million) or 3 percent of a company’s global revenue, whichever is greater.
New digital safety regulator
Under the proposal, Canada would establish the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, an independent regulator responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing the law. Members of the commission would be appointed by the federal cabinet.
The legislation also seeks to regulate AI-powered chatbots following increased scrutiny over their role in online safety. Concerns intensified after a deadly school shooting in British Columbia earlier this year, where investigators revealed the suspect had used ChatGPT to discuss gun violence before the attack.
Debate over free speech
While child safety advocates have welcomed the proposal, civil liberties groups have raised concerns that the legislation could expand government censorship and limit freedom of expression online. Critics argue that many online harms are already covered under existing criminal laws and question how the government will define categories such as harmful content.
Global push for youth social media restrictions
Canada joins a growing list of countries seeking stricter controls on children’s access to social media. Australia became the first nation to ban social media access for users under 16, while the UK is reportedly considering similar restrictions. Greece is also set to introduce a social media ban for children under 15 from January.
Australia’s law requires platforms such as Meta Platforms’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, to prevent underage users from creating accounts. However, recent surveys suggest many Australian children continue to access social media despite the restrictions, raising questions about enforcement effectiveness.
Opportunity ahead of G7 Summit
Child advocacy groups believe Canada’s proposed legislation could set an international benchmark, particularly as world leaders prepare to discuss AI governance and online child protection at the upcoming G7 summit.
Supporters argue that allowing companies to avoid a ban by implementing robust safety measures may encourage stronger protections across the digital ecosystem while maintaining flexibility for innovation. If passed, the Safe Social Media Act would represent Canada’s most comprehensive effort yet to address online harms and strengthen safeguards for children in the digital age.
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