In a definitive statement, Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation has clarified the federal government's position regarding the social media platform X. Evan Solomon stated on January 11, 2026, that Canada is not considering a ban on X, even amid growing international controversy over the spread of AI-generated deepfake content.
Government Stance on Platform Accountability
The minister's comments provide a clear direction for Canada's approach to digital governance. Instead of pursuing an outright prohibition, the focus appears to be on developing a regulatory framework that holds platforms accountable for the content they host. This approach seeks to balance the challenges of innovation and free expression with the need to protect citizens from harmful synthetic media.
Solomon's announcement comes at a time when several other nations are grappling with how to legislate rapidly evolving AI technologies. Deepfakes—highly realistic but fabricated audio and video—have raised alarms about their potential to spread misinformation, manipulate elections, and damage reputations.
The Path Forward: Regulation Over Prohibition
By rejecting a ban, the Canadian government signals a preference for navigating the complex digital landscape through measured policy rather than blunt instruments. The strategy likely involves:
- Collaborating with international partners, such as the G7, on shared standards.
- Working with platforms to implement stronger content verification and labeling protocols.
- Empowering users with tools and literacy to identify manipulated media.
This position was articulated by Minister Solomon following a G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting held in Montreal in December 2025. The international forum serves as a key venue for aligning digital policy among major economies.
Broader Context of AI Governance in Canada
The creation of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation portfolio itself underscores the priority the Canadian government places on managing the societal impact of these technologies. Solomon's statement on X is one of the first major public delineations of policy under this new ministerial mandate.
The decision not to ban X sets a precedent for how Canada may handle similar disputes with other tech giants. It suggests a legislative and regulatory path focused on accountability and risk mitigation, rather than exclusion. This approach aims to keep Canada within the global digital ecosystem while actively shaping its rules.
As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and convincing, the pressure on governments to act will only intensify. Canada's current stance, as outlined by Minister Evan Solomon, chooses the roadmap of oversight and cooperation, marking a significant moment in the country's digital policy evolution.
