Canada introduces Bill to ban social media for under-16s and regulate AI chatbots
- Marijan Hassan - Tech Journalist
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Canada has introduced sweeping new digital safety legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from creating social media accounts and impose new safety obligations on AI chatbot services. The proposed law, known as the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34), is part of a broader effort to address rising concerns about online harms affecting young people.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals under the age of 16 would be barred from opening or maintaining social media accounts unless platforms meet strict safety requirements and obtain exemptions from a new regulator.
The government says the goal is to reduce exposure to harmful content and protect children from issues such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and mental health harms linked to algorithm-driven platforms.
Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 3% of global revenue or C$10 million, whichever is higher.
New oversight body for digital safety
A central feature of the bill is the creation of a Digital Safety Commission of Canada, an independent regulatory body tasked with enforcing platform compliance and setting safety standards.
The commission would have authority to audit platforms, investigate complaints, and issue binding compliance orders. It is also expected to oversee how companies implement age verification systems and content moderation policies.
AI chatbots also under regulation
In addition to social media restrictions, the legislation introduces new rules for AI chatbot services. Developers would be required to implement safeguards to reduce the risk of harmful or unsafe interactions with minors.
The bill includes requirements for chatbot systems to respond appropriately in crisis situations, including directing users toward support resources when signs of self-harm or danger are detected.
Officials emphasized that AI systems must be designed with “safety by default,” especially when they are capable of human-like conversation or emotional interaction.
Platform responsibilities and content removal rules
The legislation also imposes stricter content moderation requirements on platforms. Companies will be required to remove certain types of harmful content within 24 hours of being flagged, including material involving child exploitation or non-consensual intimate imagery.
Social media services will also need to apply labels to AI-generated or synthetic content, improving transparency around manipulated media.
Part of a global regulatory shift
Canada’s proposal aligns with a growing international trend, as countries including Australia and several European nations explore or implement stricter rules governing children’s access to social media and AI tools.
Lawmakers argue that rapid advances in AI and algorithm-driven platforms have outpaced existing protections, making updated legislation necessary to safeguard younger users.
Industry reaction and next steps
Major technology companies are reviewing the legislation, with some expressing cautious support for clearer safety standards while warning about potential implementation challenges, particularly around age verification and privacy.
The bill will now move through Canada’s legislative process, where it may be revised before becoming law. If passed, implementation could take up to 18 to 30 months as the new regulatory body is established and enforcement systems are rolled out.
