tech
Canada's Social Media Ban Also Takes Aim at AI Chatbots
Canada has introduced a bill that would bar under-16s from social media and, in a twist that sets it apart from other countries, regulate AI chatbots in the same sweep.
TL;DR
- Canada's Digital Safety Act proposes banning under-16s from social media.
- The bill uniquely includes regulation of AI chatbots alongside social media platforms.
- Platforms must prove strong safety standards to gain exemptions for under-16 access.
- The legislation targets engagement machinery like algorithmic feeds and autoplay.
- A digital regulator will be established to set safety standards for social media and chatbots.
- Non-compliance could result in penalties of up to 3% of global revenue or C$10m.
- Platforms will also be required to remove non-consensual intimate images within 24 hours.
- Canada aims to go further than Australia's recent ban by regulating design and AI.
- Enforcement remains a challenge, as seen in Australia where many children retained accounts despite bans.
- The bill, C-34, faces a lengthy process, potentially taking over a year to pass and an additional 18 months for the regulator to be established.