"Enough Is Enough"... Canada Moves to Ban SNS Use for Those Under 16

Government Introduces Digital Safety Bill
Includes Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbots

Following Australia and the United Kingdom, Canada is also moving to enact legislation banning the use of social networking services (SNS) by children under the age of 16.

On June 11, Yonhap News, citing AFP and other foreign media, reported that the Canadian government had introduced a Digital Safety Bill the previous day, which includes a ban on creating SNS accounts for those under 16. According to the bill, exceptions would only be allowed if companies can prove that they have established sufficient safety measures for children.

The bill also includes regulations on increasingly widespread artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Companies are required to minimize the risk that AI chatbots deliver harmful content, and must establish clear reporting standards for crisis situations, such as when users may pose a risk to themselves or others.

Mark Miller, Canada's Minister of Canadian Heritage, emphasized, "We have witnessed the very serious consequences that online harmful content can cause," adding, "We must not put children's safety on the back burner."

In Canada, controversy over the dangers of AI chatbots intensified following a mass shooting in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February. The suspect had repeatedly posted firearm violence scenarios to ChatGPT before the crime, but although OpenAI identified these posts, the company did not notify authorities, which ultimately led to the tragedy. As a result, the victims' families filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, demanding an order to improve safety practices.

A Canadian government official stated, "It may take up to one year for the bill to pass, and up to 18 months to establish a digital regulatory agency to enforce it."

Meanwhile, regulatory moves to restrict SNS use among children are emerging around the world.

In December of last year, Australia became the first country globally to block SNS account access for those under 16, and in Europe, about 10 countries—including Greece, the United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Denmark—are pushing for legislation setting the minimum age for SNS use between 13 and 16.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.