‘Failing Our Children’: Canada Introduces Bill To Ban Social Media For Under-16s, Regulate AI Chatbots

Published 11 June 2026 · tech

‘Failing Our Children’: Canada Introduces Bill To Ban Social Media For Under-16s, Regulate AI Chatbots Published By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 08:43 IST The

‘Failing Our Children’: Canada Introduces Bill To Ban Social Media For Under-16s, Regulate AI Chatbots Published By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 08:43 IST The proposed law targets seven categories of harmful online content, including material that encourages children to self-harm, promotes violence or hatred. Rapid Read Canada to ban access to social media for children under 16 (Representative image) Canada Social Media Ban: In a major digital safety overhaul, Canada introduced a digital safety bill on Wednesday (local time) that would ban children under 16 from having social media accounts and require AI chatbot services to limit production of harmful content. The proposed “Digital Safety Act" makes Canada the latest in a wave of countries, including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, moving to crack down on social media platforms over concerns of harm to children. “We have seen the very serious consequences that online harms can have. The safety of children cannot be an afterthought," the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, said in a statement.

“This legislation will provide a safer environment for young Canadians and empower them to connect in-person, build friendships, focus in school, and learn real-world skills so they can thrive," he added. The proposed legislation would ban social media accounts for children under 16 years old, the statement said, adding that there be an exemption “pathway" for tech firm if they can demonstrate “sufficient safeguards" for children. The proposed law targets seven categories of harmful online content, including material that encourages children to self-harm, promotes violence or hatred, and shares intimate images without consent. A new watchdog, the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, would be set up to oversee enforcement, although the government said details on exemptions will be announced later. Officials estimate it could take up to 18 months for the regulator to become operational, news agency AFP reported. Under the legislation, social media platforms — including adult-content sites — would be required to reduce users’ exposure to harmful content and clearly label AI-generated or manipulated material.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 3 per cent of their global revenue or CAD$10 million. The bill would also bring AI chatbots under regulation, requiring companies to take steps to prevent their systems from generating or sharing harmful content. Firms would need to establish clear reporting procedures for crisis situations, such as when users appear at risk of harming themselves or others. The issue has gained attention in Canada following a mass shooting in the mining town of Tumbler Ridge in April that killed nine people, including the gunman. OpenAI later faced criticism for not alerting authorities after banning the shooter from ChatGPT over disturbing conversations, saying it had found no signs of an imminent attack. Several countries, including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, have already introduced or announced age-based restrictions on children’s access to social media, while nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are considering similar measures.