The federal government will introduce legislation Wednesday to address social media and AI chatbot safety.
The Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act are expected to be introduced in the House of Commons after question period. Culture Minister Marc Miller will hold a news conference to discuss the bills later in the day.
The government says the legislation will make social media platforms and AI chatbots safer for children.
The bill is expected to include a ban on social media for kids under 16, although platforms that meet safety standards could obtain exemptions, The Globe and Mail and National Post have reported.
Miller said Tuesday the government will take all reasonable measures to ensure kids are safe and that the legislation is a priority because "kids are dying."
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre did not answer Wednesday when he was asked whether he supports a social media ban for kids under 16.
Poilievre told reporters there should be "tougher penalties and better tools to lock up online predators who target children through manipulative and predatory activities” and “more tools for parents to keep their kids off of dangerous websites."
Liberal MP Doug Eyolfson said many young people are being damaged by online misinformation, and predators have a presence online.
"I think it's something we need to be much more aggressive on," he said.
Noting she's the parent of a teenager, Minister of Women Rechie Valdez said she is concerned about what kids are exposed to online and the impacts on their mental health.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
