Canadian officials unveiled comprehensive digital safety legislation Wednesday aimed at restricting social media access for minors under 16, following Australia’s lead in establishing the world’s first such prohibition.
The proposed measure would create exceptions for platforms that demonstrate compliance with specific safety requirements. Additionally, the legislation seeks to enhance AI chatbot security through the establishment of a digital oversight agency responsible for developing safety protocols, according to a government official.
Parliament received the bill just weeks following legal action by families impacted by one of Canada’s deadliest mass violence incidents. The lawsuit targets OpenAI, claiming the company was aware through ChatGPT interactions that the suspected perpetrator was planning the attack but failed to alert authorities.
Australia made history in December by implementing the first national social media restriction for children under 16. Within one month of enforcement, social media platforms had closed approximately 5 million teenage accounts.
Several European nations are exploring similar protective measures for young users, including France, Denmark and Poland. Greece has already announced plans to implement access restrictions for those under 15, effective January 2027.
During a technical briefing, government representatives indicated the legislative process could require up to one year for passage, with an additional 18 months needed to establish the digital regulatory body.
Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains a narrow parliamentary majority as the legislative body prepares for its upcoming summer break.
