Canada proposes social media ban for under-16s with tech exemptions

Canada is proposing a social media ban for children and teenagers under the age of 16.

The bill would allow tech firms to avoid the ban if they show they have policies to limit harm to minors. It also includes rules to regulate AI chatbots and restrict harmful content online. A new regulator would be created to enforce compliance.

Culture Minister Marc Miller introduced the Safe Social Media Act in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Earlier in the week he said passing a law on online harms was a priority because "kids are dying."

"Suffice to say, we will take all reasonable measures to make sure kids are safe in this country," Miller told reporters.

The proposal comes ahead of next week's G7 summit in France, where leaders are expected to discuss AI and protecting children from online harm. It follows two failed attempts by the previous Liberal government to pass similar legislation.

The bill lists seven categories of harmful content, including material that bullies a child, incites hatred or promotes violence. The maximum penalty is the greater of $10 million or 3 percent of a company's gross global revenue.

The government says the law would establish an independent Digital Safety Commission of Canada, with members appointed by cabinet.

The move follows a February mass shooting at a school in British Columbia in which an 18-year-old suspect used ChatGPT to discuss gun violence before the attack. Eight people, including six children, were killed. OpenAI later apologized to victims' families after failing to report the account to police.

Some free speech groups have warned the bill would expand censorship and argued that existing criminal laws are sufficient.

Other countries have already passed similar measures. The UK has its Online Safety Act, while France and New Zealand have also acted. Australia banned social media access for under-16s late last year, though a recent survey found about 70 percent of parents said their children were still on the platforms.

The UK is expected to announce a ban for under-16s next week. Greece plans to bar children under 15 starting in January.