Canada Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, which aims to ban social media access for children under 16 and establish new regulations for AI chatbots and online platforms. The legislation, championed by Marc Miller and Marjorie Michel, seeks to create a safer online environment for young Canadians, citing concerns about mental health issues linked to social media use. Companies that fail to comply with the new safety standards could face fines of up to C$10 million or 3% of global revenue. The bill also proposes a new digital regulator to oversee compliance. The impetus for regulating AI chatbots stems from a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging its ChatGPT chatbot was used by a shooter, prompting calls for AI platforms to prevent harmful content and implement crisis mechanisms. This move by Canada follows similar actions in countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and aligns with considerations in France, Denmark, Poland, and Greece, indicating a global trend towards stricter digital safety regulations for minors. The bill is expected to take up to a year to pass through Parliament, with an additional 18 months for the regulator to be established.