Canada Introduces Digital Safety Bill to Regulate Social Media Platforms and AI Chatbots

The Canadian federal government has introduced Bill C-34, known as the Digital Safety Act, proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework for social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The legislation seeks to impose greater accountability on technology companies for harmful online content and establish a dedicated digital safety regulator.

If enacted, the proposed law would require social media companies to identify and mitigate risks associated with harmful content, implement safety measures for users, and submit detailed digital safety plans to a newly created Digital Safety Commission. The commission would be responsible for overseeing compliance and addressing complaints relating to online harms.

A significant feature of the bill is its focus on child protection. The legislation would require platforms to prohibit content involving the sexual exploitation of children and restrict the sharing of intimate content with minors without consent. It also proposes a social media access ban for users under the age of 16, supported by mandatory age-verification requirements. However, platforms may be exempted if they can demonstrate to regulators that adequate safeguards are in place to protect younger users.

The bill also introduces measures targeting AI systems and chatbots. Technology companies would be required to disclose their policies and procedures for notifying law enforcement authorities when user activity indicates a credible risk of harm to others. The proposal follows concerns arising from the recent Tumbler Ridge shooting incident in British Columbia and broader debates regarding the responsibilities of AI developers.

The proposed legislation reflects growing international efforts to regulate digital platforms, online safety, and artificial intelligence while balancing innovation, privacy, and fundamental rights.