Canada is moving to ban social media access for anyone under 16, joining a growing list of countries cracking down on teen social media use. The Safe Social Media Act, introduced by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, also sets new safety requirements for AI platforms and chatbot services.
The legislation puts Canada alongside Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia in restricting teen access to social platforms. This marks a significant shift in how governments are approaching online safety for minors, moving from content moderation to outright age restrictions.
The bill requires social media companies to redesign their products with child safety in mind. Platforms must remove deepfakes and content that “sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor.” Companies will also need to implement several new safety features:
- Clear labels for AI-generated content
- Simple reporting systems for harmful material
- User blocking tools to prevent exposure to dangerous content
While social media faces strict age limits, AI chatbots will remain accessible to younger users. “Chatbots are not as well-studied as the harm caused by social media platforms,” Miller said during the bill’s announcement. “They don’t have the same social role.”
However, the legislation does address AI safety concerns, apparently responding to issues like OpenAI’s handling of the Tumbler Ridge shooting incident. AI platforms must now reduce risks of chatbots sharing harmful content or encouraging dangerous behavior. They’re also required to establish “emergency measures” for crisis situations.
The Digital Safety Commission of Canada, created through separate legislation, will handle enforcement and set specific platform requirements beyond the age restriction. This new body can also grant exemptions to platforms that demonstrate “sufficient safeguards” for children.
The move reflects growing global concern about social media’s impact on teen mental health and safety. Countries worldwide are grappling with how to protect minors online while balancing free speech and platform innovation concerns.