Story perspectives

Canada Proposes AI Liability Bill, Under-16 Social Media Ban

6/12/2026

Left

Carney Proposes OnlineHarms

The bill expands legal liability to AI chatbots, mandating crisis-intervention protocols and safe-by-design safeguards.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will table Online Harms Act on Wednesday, proposing a ban on social-media accounts for Canadians under 16.
Canada will create a Digital Safety Commission, possibly needing 18 months to become operational.
Experts stress shared responsibility among platforms, parents and regulators, noting Australian enforcement hurdles.

Right

Holt Threatens Ban

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt warned will impose a provincial social-media ban for under-16s unless the federal government acts quickly.
The federal government tabled legislation on Wednesday that would bar Canadians under 16 from having social-media accounts.
The bill permits platforms to secure exemptions by proving adequate safeguards for minors.
Polls indicate roughly three-quarters of Canadians back a ban on under-16 social-media, mirroring Australia’s approach.

History

Historical Context

After Congress passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998 (effective 2000), the U.S. FTC has fined platforms $1.5 billion for COPPA violations through 2022. Inspired by that precedent, Canada’s government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Susan Holt, introduced the Online Harms Act to bar users under 16, funding a Digital Safety Commission to enforce compliance.

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Carney Proposes OnlineHarms

The bill expands legal liability to AI chatbots, mandating crisis-intervention protocols and safe-by-design safeguards.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will table Online Harms Act on Wednesday, proposing a ban on social-media accounts for Canadians under 16.
Canada will create a Digital Safety Commission, possibly needing 18 months to become operational.
Experts stress shared responsibility among platforms, parents and regulators, noting Australian enforcement hurdles.

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