Heritage Minister Reconvenes Advisory Group on Online Harms to Consult on AI Chatbots
Heritage Minister Marc Miller has reconvened a specialized advisory group of researchers and advocates to provide expert guidance on regulating technology platforms, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence chatbots and AI companions. This move comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government evaluates its approach to online safety legislation.
Government Seeks Expertise on Evolving Technologies
The minister's office announced that Miller met with the advisory group on Wednesday, stating that their findings "will subsequently go on to inform ongoing legislative work in various aspects of online safety." The government will specifically seek the group's expertise on "a limited and targeted set of issues that have emerged since the last consultation due to significant technological changes, including in the field of artificial intelligence, chatbots and AI companions, as well as other evolving trends related to online services."
Miller emphasized the personal importance of this initiative, stating, "as a father and a grandfather, this is deeply personal to me." The advisory group includes researchers, online child safety advocates, and professors specializing in online radicalization, cybersecurity, and internet governance.
Background and Legislative Context
The advisory group was originally established in 2022 when the federal government consulted on legislation to regulate social media companies and better protect users from online dangers. Those efforts resulted in Bill C-63, known as the Online Harms Act, which died when former prime minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament last year.
Since the bill's demise, numerous stakeholders, advocates, and parents whose children were harmed through internet-based crimes have urged Carney's government to reintroduce similar legislation. The proposed bill would have required social media companies to present safety plans to the federal government and remove the most harmful content online.
Recent Developments and Government Response
The issue gained renewed urgency last month when it was revealed that OpenAI had decided against flagging concerning messages to police. These messages were exchanged between the shooter who opened fire on schoolchildren and family members in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and ChatGPT months before the incident.
Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon, who has confirmed Miller will lead efforts on online harms issues, has spent recent weeks in discussions with OpenAI. Solomon has spoken directly with CEO Sam Altman about safety changes the government wants implemented, including a review of past decisions not to flag troubling ChatGPT exchanges to authorities.
"All options are on the table," Solomon reiterated to reporters on Wednesday. He has also indicated his intention to introduce his own legislation related to AI and privacy.
International Comparisons and Future Directions
Carney's government is examining approaches taken by other countries regarding online safety. Speaking in Tokyo last week, Carney noted that Canada was "lagging" behind others in the area of online safety. The government is particularly interested in policies implemented in the United Kingdom and Australia, with Australia becoming the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16.
No specific timelines have been established for when Carney's government will introduce new online safety legislation, though Miller has been tasked with leading these efforts. The reconvened advisory group's consultations on AI chatbots and evolving technologies represent a significant step in developing comprehensive online safety measures for Canada's digital landscape.
