Canada introduces bill banning social media for under-16s, regulates AI chatbots

The Canadian government introduced a digital safety bill on June 10 that would bar children under **16** from using social-media platforms unless platforms obtain exemptions by meeting safety standards, Reuters and BBC report. The measure, referred to in some reporting as the **Safe Social Media Act**, would create a new digital regulator to set safety rules for **AI chatbots** and online platforms, a government official told Reuters. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of **3% of global revenue** or up to **C$10 million**, whichever is greater, Reuters and AFP reported. Culture Minister **Marc Miller** said the legislation aims to reduce online harms, including anxiety and depression among young people, in a statement quoted by AFP and Reuters. The bill follows Australia's recent under-16 social-media restriction and comes amid litigation involving OpenAI after a mass shooting, Reuters reported.