Canada Proposes Ban on Social Media for Under-16s, Regulates AI Chatbots
The Canadian government has introduced the Safe Social Media Act, which would ban children under 16 from having social media accounts and bring AI chatbots under regulatory oversight. Non-compliant platforms face fines of up to 3% of global revenue or CAD 10 million.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 12:36
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 12:56 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 12:57 (1 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Cheng Aifen, Vancouver, 10th) The Canadian government today introduced the Safe Social Media Act, significantly tightening regulations on children's and teenagers' use of online platforms. In principle, it prohibits young people under the age of 16 from having social media accounts and brings AI chatbots under regulatory oversight.
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the new bill will regulate traditional social media services like Facebook and X, live streaming services, and adult websites where users can upload their own content. Except for adult websites, platforms that can meet government-established child safety standards may be granted exemption status after review, potentially allowing young people under 16 to continue using the service.
Canada will establish an independent Digital Safety Commission responsible for setting standards and reviewing exemption applications.
As the new regulatory body is expected to take about 18 months to be established, regulated platforms will likely face a ban on users under 16 in the interim, without the ability to immediately apply for an exemption.
According to the bill, platforms that fail to comply will face severe penalties, up to 3% of global revenue or CAD 10 million (approximately NT$227 million), whichever is higher. For large technology companies, this could represent potential fines in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
In addition to social media, the bill also brings AI chatbots under regulation.
Although AI chatbots are not subject to the age-16 restriction, companies such as ChatGPT, other conversational AI services, and AI virtual assistant platforms will bear new legal responsibilities.
AI service providers must establish crisis reporting and response mechanisms and reduce the risk of harmful content. If a user expresses suicidal intent or plans to harm others, the platform must initiate crisis intervention procedures. Furthermore, AI chatbots must not encourage crime, incite violence, or instruct users on how to harm themselves or others.
In February of this year, a mass shooting occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Police investigation revealed that the 18-year-old suspect had discussed gun violence issues with ChatGPT months before the incident, raising concerns about AI safety.
Notably, internet search engines and the popular gaming platform Roblox are not included in the scope of this bill.
Bloomberg noted that the new bill could further escalate tensions between the Canadian government and U.S. tech giants, which have previously expressed dissatisfaction with Canadian regulations on news content and streaming services. Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms have stopped providing Canadian news content since 2023.
The U.S. Trade Representative has listed Canada's digital laws as trade barriers, suggesting these laws could become a point of contention in the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Australia has already legislated to ban children under 16 from using social media to address issues such as mental health problems, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150611
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the new bill will regulate traditional social media services like Facebook and X, live streaming services, and adult websites where users can upload their own content. Except for adult websites, platforms that can meet government-established child safety standards may be granted exemption status after review, potentially allowing young people under 16 to continue using the service.
Canada will establish an independent Digital Safety Commission responsible for setting standards and reviewing exemption applications.
As the new regulatory body is expected to take about 18 months to be established, regulated platforms will likely face a ban on users under 16 in the interim, without the ability to immediately apply for an exemption.
According to the bill, platforms that fail to comply will face severe penalties, up to 3% of global revenue or CAD 10 million (approximately NT$227 million), whichever is higher. For large technology companies, this could represent potential fines in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
In addition to social media, the bill also brings AI chatbots under regulation.
Although AI chatbots are not subject to the age-16 restriction, companies such as ChatGPT, other conversational AI services, and AI virtual assistant platforms will bear new legal responsibilities.
AI service providers must establish crisis reporting and response mechanisms and reduce the risk of harmful content. If a user expresses suicidal intent or plans to harm others, the platform must initiate crisis intervention procedures. Furthermore, AI chatbots must not encourage crime, incite violence, or instruct users on how to harm themselves or others.
In February of this year, a mass shooting occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Police investigation revealed that the 18-year-old suspect had discussed gun violence issues with ChatGPT months before the incident, raising concerns about AI safety.
Notably, internet search engines and the popular gaming platform Roblox are not included in the scope of this bill.
Bloomberg noted that the new bill could further escalate tensions between the Canadian government and U.S. tech giants, which have previously expressed dissatisfaction with Canadian regulations on news content and streaming services. Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms have stopped providing Canadian news content since 2023.
The U.S. Trade Representative has listed Canada's digital laws as trade barriers, suggesting these laws could become a point of contention in the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Australia has already legislated to ban children under 16 from using social media to address issues such as mental health problems, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150611
FAQ
When will this bill come into effect?
Even if passed, full implementation will take about 18 months due to the establishment of a new regulatory body.
What types of AI services are regulated?
Conversational AI services like ChatGPT and AI virtual assistant platforms are covered.
How is the fine calculated?
The fine is the higher of 3% of global revenue or CAD 10 million.