Canada considers new bill to protect children on social media

On June 10, 2026, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, marking a major step toward protecting children online.

This legislation shifts the burden of responsibility to social media companies and AI chatbot services, requiring them to proactively prevent harm rather than reacting after an incident.

The bill addresses critical issues like cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and self-harm.

To ensure compliance, the government plans to establish the Digital Safety Commission of Canada.

While child advocacy groups have widely praised the initiative for prioritizing youth well-being, critics raise concerns about potential government overreach and the technical challenges of age verification.

As the bill moves through Parliament, it remains a central topic in the ongoing debate over balancing online safety with digital privacy and free expression in Canada.