Canada Moves to Bar Under-16s From Social Media in Digital Safety Overhaul
Ottawa-Canada’s government introduced legislation on Wednesday that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms unless those services meet prescribed safety standards, marking one of the most ambitious attempts by a major Western nation to regulate online activity among minors.
The proposed legislation would also establish a new digital regulator responsible for setting safety standards for artificial intelligence chatbots and other online services, according to a government official familiar with the measure.
The bill was introduced in Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government as policymakers in several countries intensify efforts to address concerns about the impact of social media and AI technologies on children and young people.
If enacted, the legislation would place Canada among a growing group of nations pursuing stricter digital protections for minors. Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for users under 16 in December, while France, Denmark and Poland are considering similar restrictions. Greece has also announced plans to prohibit social media access for children under 15 beginning in January 2027.
Canadian officials said implementation would not be immediate. They estimated the legislation could require up to a year to pass through Parliament, followed by approximately 18 months to establish and operationalize the proposed regulator.
The legislation arrives amid increasing scrutiny of technology companies and artificial intelligence platforms. Its introduction follows legal action filed by families affected by one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings, who alleged that OpenAI failed to alert authorities despite indications that the suspected attacker had discussed plans for violence through ChatGPT.
The lawsuit has intensified debate in Canada over the responsibilities of AI developers and digital platforms in identifying and responding to potential threats.
Government officials said the new regulatory framework would focus on creating enforceable safety standards for emerging technologies while strengthening protections for minors online.
The proposal faces a legislative timetable complicated by Parliament’s approaching summer recess. Although Carney’s government holds a majority, officials acknowledged that the bill’s passage and subsequent implementation could take several years.
The measure reflects a broader international shift toward tighter regulation of social media platforms and AI systems as governments seek to balance technological innovation with concerns over online safety, youth mental health and digital accountability. :
