Canada has unveiled a major digital safety bill that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms unless those services meet strict government-approved safety standards.
The proposed legislation, introduced in Parliament on Wednesday, comes months after Australia became the first country in the world to impose a nationwide social media ban on young people under 16.
In addition to targeting social media platforms, the bill seeks to strengthen oversight of artificial intelligence technologies by introducing new safety requirements for AI chatbots. A dedicated digital regulator would be established to create and enforce standards aimed at protecting users, particularly minors.
Companies that fail to comply with the proposed rules could face hefty penalties of up to 3 per cent of their global revenue or C$10 million (RM31 million), whichever amount is greater.
Canadian Minister of Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, said social media platforms and AI-powered services are often designed to maximise user engagement, which can negatively affect young people’s development and wellbeing.
He argued that excessive online exposure has contributed to anxiety, loneliness, depression and other mental health challenges among Canadian youth, adding that the legislation is intended to encourage healthier lifestyles, stronger friendships and greater focus on education.
The bill arrives amid growing concerns over the influence of AI technology. Its introduction follows a lawsuit filed by families affected by one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings, alleging that OpenAI failed to alert authorities despite claims that the suspected attacker had discussed his plans with ChatGPT.
Government officials estimate that the legislation could take up to a year to pass through Parliament, while establishing the new digital regulator may require an additional 18 months.
Major technology firms are already reviewing the proposal. A spokesperson for Google, which owns YouTube, said the company supports efforts to improve online safety and looks forward to working with the government on new standards.
Meanwhile, a representative for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said the company is assessing the details of the proposed law.
The move reflects a growing international trend toward stricter controls on children’s online activity. Countries including France, Denmark and Poland are considering tougher regulations, while Greece has announced plans to block social media access for children under 15 beginning in 2027.
Experts say Canada’s proposal goes beyond Australia’s approach because it not only seeks to limit children’s access to social media but also aims to reshape the broader digital ecosystem by imposing obligations on platforms and regulating AI technologies.
If approved, the legislation could place Canada among the world’s most aggressive regulators of social media and artificial intelligence, significantly changing how young people interact with digital platforms in the years ahead.
