Canada proposes teen social media ban - with workaround for tech firms

Canada proposes teen social media ban - with workaround for tech firms16 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNadine YousifSenior Canada reporterGetty ImagesThe proposed law comes ahead of next week's G7 summit, where world leaders are expected to discuss measures to protect children from online harm.Canada is proposing a social media ban for children and teenagers under the age of 16, mirroring a similar law passed in Australia late last year. But unlike Australia's law, tech firms could sidestep Canada's ban if they demonstrate they have policies to minimise harm to minors.The law includes sweeping measures to regulate AI chatbots and curtail "harmful content" online. It would create a regulator to ensure tech firms comply. Some free speech groups have warned it would expand censorship. It comes amid calls from parents and advocates to bolster children's safety online and as other countries - including the UK - eye similar bans. The law is being proposed ahead of the upcoming G7 summit in France next week, where world leaders are expected to discuss and issue statements on AI and protecting children from online harm.Canada's proposed law - the Safe Social Media Act - was put forward in the House of Commons on Wednesday by Culture Minister Marc Miller. Earlier in the week, Miller said passing a law that addresses online harms was a priority for the Canadian government because "kids are dying"."Suffice to say, we will take all reasonable measures to make sure kids are safe in this country," he told reporters.Pressure has been mounting on Canada to pass legislation on online safety after the previous Liberal government failed twice to implement one. Other countries have already enacted similar laws, including the UK with its Online Safety Act, as well as France and New Zealand. Watch Australian teens test out social media on first day of banAI safety has been at the forefront in Canada after a deadly Feb...