The Canadian government has introduced the Safe Social Media Act, a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children online by restricting social media access for users under the age of 16 and establishing new safety requirements for artificial intelligence platforms.
Introduced in Ottawa on Wednesday as Bill C-34, the proposal reflects growing concern among policymakers, parents, and child safety advocates about the impact of online platforms on young people.
Supporters of the measure argue that existing safeguards have failed to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital technologies.
Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said online platforms have too often prioritized engagement and profit over user safety, leaving families struggling to navigate increasingly complex risks.
The bill would also require platforms to remove sexually exploitative content within 24 hours of identification.
If approved, the legislation would place Canada among a growing number of countries seeking tougher controls on youth access to social media.
Similar initiatives have emerged in nations including Australia, France, Denmark, and Poland as governments attempt to address concerns about online safety, mental health, and the influence of digital platforms on children and teenagers.
Related Tweet:
Canada introduces legislation to ban social media for children under 16, regulate AI chatbots https://t.co/WWdc1023iW
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) June 11, 2026
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
