Ottawa, June 11
Canada has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening online safety for children, proposing restrictions on social media access for users under 16 while expanding oversight of artificial intelligence chatbot services and digital platforms.
The proposed Safe Social Media Act, introduced by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, seeks to place greater responsibility on online services to prevent harm before it occurs. Under the bill, children under 16 would be barred from holding social media accounts unless companies can demonstrate sufficient safeguards and secure an exemption from regulators.
The legislation would also bring AI chatbot services under a broader regulatory framework designed to improve accountability and transparency across digital platforms. The proposed rules would require companies to place children’s safety at the center of product design and reduce exposure to harmful content and high risk online interactions.
According to government plans, a Digital Safety Commission of Canada would be established to monitor compliance with the new requirements. Companies found violating the rules could face penalties of up to CAD 10 million or 3 percent of their global revenue, whichever is greater.
The bill marks Canada’s latest effort to address concerns surrounding online harms, including cyberbullying and digital harassment. It follows years of policy discussions on internet safety and comes amid growing international efforts to strengthen protections for young users online.
If approved by Parliament, the legislation would significantly reshape how social media platforms and AI services operate in Canada, placing stronger obligations on technology companies to safeguard children and prevent harm before it occurs.
