Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has introduced legislation that would ban social media for youth under 16 unless companies such as Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp. meet a set of safety standards. The bill, unveiled Wednesday, also impacts artificial intelligence chatbots, though they would not face a ban on youth users. Firms must mitigate the risk of chatbots communicating harmful content and be transparent about reporting thresholds in crisis situations.
Key Provisions of the Safe Social Media Act
The legislation, named the Safe Social Media Act, was tabled by Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller. It enables the creation of a digital regulator to impose new rules on platforms. The regulator will set requirements social media firms must follow to receive an exemption from the ban on users under 16. However, it is expected to take about 18 months after the bill becomes law for the regulator to be set up, meaning platforms may face a period where youth users are banned without any option for an exemption.
Penalties and Scope
Companies that do not comply with the law will face a maximum penalty equivalent to three per cent of the firm's global revenues or $10 million, whichever is greater. An official said in a background briefing that some smaller social media sites may be captured, but the regulator will determine the minimum size threshold and set out other criteria. Live-streaming services and adult websites focused on user-shared content will also be included. The law will not affect gaming platforms such as Roblox Corp.
Government and Industry Reactions
"The act will require social media platforms and AI chatbot services to do more to protect children, to make their platforms safe by design," Miller said at a news conference. "The measures in this bill represent in my view the basic expectation that parents and Canadians have for keeping their kids safe online." The Canadian government had signaled it was mulling a ban on social media for children but stopped short of complete prohibition. Miller said the government believes social media platforms can be made safe by design.
A spokesperson for Meta said the company is assessing the details of the proposed bill. "Social media bans are counterproductive, but we are encouraged that the government appears to recognize that online services can provide teens with sufficient safeguards," the spokesperson said in a statement. "With teens using more than 40 apps weekly, it is important that any regulations apply equally across the many apps teens use. Leaving age verification up to individual platforms raises concerns about privacy, security and effectiveness."
International Context
The legislation comes ahead of Carney's Friday meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has led a push in Europe to protect children online. Group of Seven leaders are also expected to discuss the issue next week.
