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Ottawa's new Digital Safety Act expected to include under-16 social media ban
The bill would also create a digital regulator and add safety rules for AI chatbots, as officials say harmful content is affecting children.
- The federal government will introduce the Digital Safety Act on Wednesday, proposing a social media ban for Canadians under 16. Culture Minister Marc Miller stated the legislation is needed because "kids are dying."
- Miller justified the legislation by resurrecting an online harms strategy that previously died when former prime minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament in early 2025. The government conducted months of consultations before reintroducing the bill.
- While Australia enacted a similar age-based law last year, University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist argued that an outright ban could fail to hold tech companies accountable. He acknowledged social media is a "serious issue" for kids.
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser pushed back against accusations the government is trampling on free speech, stating, "You don't have to give up your freedoms in order to ensure people can live safe in a society."
- Platforms meeting new safety standards may obtain exemptions under the proposed framework, which also addresses harms from artificial-intelligence chatbots. It remains to be seen exactly how officials will implement or enforce these rules in Canada.
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In the news today: Digital safety bill, interest rate decision, OPP officer killed
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed … Digital safety bill banning kids under 16 from social media to be introduced today The federal government will introduce legislation addressing social media and AI chatbot safety today. Ottawa is set to introduce legislation to enact what
The federal government is scheduled to introduce a bill on Wednesday similar to that passed by Australia in 2025.
·Montreal, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources58
Leaning Left31Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution74% Left
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources lean Left
74% Left
L 74%
C 21%
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