Canada has introduced legislation that bans children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms and imposes regulations on AI chatbots. The new law aims to protect children’s online safety and address concerns around artificial intelligence technologies. The legislation was announced this week and targets platforms that collect data from minors and deploy AI chatbots accessible to the public, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com.
The legislation prohibits social media companies from allowing users under 16 to create accounts, effectively blocking access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok for this age group. It also requires AI chatbot developers to implement safeguards to prevent misuse and ensure transparency about chatbot interactions. The Canadian government emphasized that these measures are designed to reduce risks such as data exploitation and exposure to harmful content, as detailed by economictimes.indiatimes.com.
This move places Canada among the few countries taking a strict stance on children’s digital privacy and AI governance. Comparable efforts include the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which also targets online harms and transparency. The legislation reflects growing global concerns about the impact of social media and AI on young users, especially regarding data privacy and mental health. It could influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, given Canada’s early adoption of such comprehensive rules, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com.
The legislation is pending final parliamentary approval and is expected to come into effect later this year. The government has stated that enforcement mechanisms will include penalties for non-compliance by social media companies and AI developers. This legal framework marks a significant step in regulating digital platforms and AI tools in Canada, with concrete rules aimed at protecting minors and promoting responsible AI use.