FIRST READING: The worst-case scenarios that Carney’s ‘social media ban’ could enable (opens original article in a new tab)

Canada's Safe Social Media Act introduces a social media ban for children under 16, with potential for expanded government control over internet content and user data.

• Bill C-34 proposes a social media ban for children under 16 with age verification requirements for all users.
• The Digital Safety Commission of Canada would have broad powers to enforce rules on social media and AI chatbots without legal or technical constraints.
• The bill could mandate collection of sensitive personal information from internet users, increasing privacy risks.