The Canadian government has introduced a new bill that could prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms unless the companies can demonstrate that their services are safe for young users.
The proposed legislation forms part of a broader effort by authorities in Canada to strengthen online safety and protect minors from harmful digital content.
Under the proposal, social media companies would only be allowed to offer services to users under 16 if they meet safety standards set by regulators and receive an exemption from the government.
“We are failing our children. Enough is enough,” said Marc Miller. “We need basic protection in place.”
The bill targets several categories of harmful online material, including content that encourages self-harm, promotes violence or hatred, and the sharing of intimate images without consent.
As part of the reforms, the government plans to establish a Digital Safety Commission that will oversee compliance and determine whether platforms qualify for exemptions. Officials said detailed guidelines for exemptions will be announced later, while the new regulator could take up to 18 months to become fully operational.
Miller said social media firms would carry the responsibility of proving their platforms are safe for children. The legislation also proposes age-verification requirements to help enforce the rules.
The move places Canada alongside countries such as Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, which have already introduced or proposed restrictions on children’s use of social media. Other nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea, are also considering similar policies.
According to the proposed law, platforms that host adult content would not be eligible for exemptions.
The legislation also extends to artificial intelligence technologies, requiring companies behind AI chatbots to adopt responsible practices, including measures designed to respond to users in crisis situations.
Officials said they would examine the experience of Australia, where authorities reported that social media companies had removed approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children after restrictions on under-16 users were introduced.
Reacting to the proposal, Canadian Centre for Child Protection welcomed the initiative. Its executive director, Lianna McDonald, said the rise in online sextortion cases involving children highlights the need for stronger safeguards.
The bill will now proceed through parliament, where lawmakers will debate the proposed measures before any final decision is made.
