Canadian officials unveiled new legislation Wednesday aimed at preventing children under 16 from accessing social media platforms unless those companies can demonstrate their services are adequately protected for young users.
The proposal represents Canada’s entry into a worldwide movement to strengthen online safety measures for minors. Government representatives explained that social media companies could receive exemptions by implementing appropriate protective measures.
“We are failing our children. Enough is enough,” Marc Miller, Canada’s culture minister, said. “We need basic protection in place.”
The proposed law addresses seven categories of dangerous material, including posts that encourage self-harm among youth, violent and hateful content, and intimate images shared without permission.
Officials plan to establish the Digital Safety Commission of Canada as a new oversight body. Details about exemption requirements will be released later, with Miller estimating the regulatory setup could require up to 18 months.
Miller emphasized that platforms must demonstrate their safety credentials, and age verification systems will be implemented.
Several nations including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia have already enacted or announced age-related limitations for children’s social media use. Meanwhile, Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are exploring or developing comparable policies.
Canadian platforms featuring adult material would be ineligible for exemptions under the proposed rules.
The legislation would also oversee artificial intelligence chatbot companies by requiring responsible practices, including emergency response procedures.
Australian officials reported that social media companies have removed approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to children since that country implemented its under-16 ban. The Australian law sparked significant discussion about technology usage, privacy concerns, youth safety and mental health issues, inspiring other nations to explore similar policies.
A Canadian government representative told reporters that officials plan to study Australia’s experience for guidance.
Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, praised the initiative, highlighting the significant increase in social media sextortion cases.
