How would Canada's plan to keep kids off social media work?

How would Canada's plan to keep kids off social media work?

Bill proposes to restrict access for kids under 16, but there may be exceptions

The federal government has introduced legislation that, among other things, would restrict access to social media platforms for kids under the age of 16.

The bill, introduced Wednesday by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, is the latest attempt by the Liberals to create some form of law that addresses online harms.

If passed, it would also put responsibility on websites to protect children from harmful content, including cyberbullying.

How the law would be enforced in practice still needs to be worked out, but here's what we know so far.

The Liberals have promised some form of legislation to govern social media and online harms for years.

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau promised the legislation during the 2021 election campaign and a bill was put forward in 2024.

Miller says new social media bill is vital but 'not an exercise in perfection'

But that legislation didn't make it through Parliament before the 2025 election. The bill was also met with some opposition — including from the Conservatives — who said its Criminal Code provisions would have a chilling effect on free speech.

Miller said Wednesday that previous iterations of the legislation were an "overreach."

"There were, in my mind, legitimate criticisms about inserting criminal repercussions [into the previous legislation]," he said.

The bill proposes to set up a Digital Safety Commission that would be responsible for enforcing the law.

The independent body would be able to monitor sites for compliance and hear complaints from Canadians when they believe there has been a violation.

Proposed digital safety commission would 'give some teeth' to social media ban, Miller says

The commission would be able to conduct audits, issue compliance orders and issue fines when there is a violation.

A fine would be either three per cent of a company's global revenue or $10 million, whichever is greater. Companies could face multiple penalties for repeated violations.

How will social media companies comply?

It is not yet clear how the ban will function. Companies will be responsible for deciding how they implement the ban and the commission will be responsible for overseeing regulations and guidance.

Companies could be exempt if they implement what officials briefing reporters called adequate safeguards to protect children.

It's not clear what those safeguards would be, but the exemptions would be laid out in the regulations.

Social media can be 'safe by design' without full ban, culture minister says

What types of social media are covered?

Miller rhymed off a few examples of what will be covered by the bill, specifically naming Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and Snapchat.

The bill itself defines social media as websites or apps that "facilitate interprovincial or international online communication among users of the website or application by enabling them to access and share content."

There won't be a ban for kids under 16 from using chatbots, but there are other regulations being proposed to govern them.

AI chatbots will need measures to respond when a user expresses ideas of suicide or self harm or an intention to commit an act that could cause death or serious bodily harm to an individual, said officials. The bill would not require the companies behind the chatbots to report those interactions to police.

Online harms law 'could've made a difference' in preventing Tumbler Ridge shooting: Miller

When will all this take effect?

The bill will need to pass both houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

Miller said the social media ban for kids will come into effect as soon as it receives royal assent.

But it will take time for the commission to be established. Officials estimated it could take up to 18 months after the bill becomes law for the regulator to be stood up.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:

Darren Major is a senior writer for CBC's parliamentary bureau in Ottawa. He previously worked as a digital reporter for CBC Ottawa and a producer for CBC's Power & Politics. He holds a master's degree in journalism and a bachelor's degree in public affairs and policy management, both from Carleton University. He also holds a master's degree in arts from Queen's University. He can be reached at darren.major@cbc.ca.