The federal government introduced online harms legislation Wednesday that would require social media companies to restrict children under 16 years old from their platforms, but will not force AI chatbot platforms to do the same. The Safe Social Media Act aims to create a “duty to protect children” for all online platforms that will require social media and AI chatbot platforms to incorporate age-appropriate designs, including content warning labels, safe search settings for children and measures to reduce addictive behaviours; such as endless scrolling. Canadian Culture Minister Marc Miller said companies would be required to protect Canadians’ privacy but wouldn’t say how, and wouldn’t provide examples on how the government expects it to be implemented. When asked why there isn’t a full ban, Miller said “We know social media can be made safe by design, that these responsibilities are important on platforms. And there are platforms for kids under 15 that can be used responsibly. There’s an important role here that falls on two sets of shoulders… there is a role for parents here… and there are platforms that can be made safe.”
