Canada Proposes Digital Safety Act to Restrict Social Media Access for Minors Under 16

Canada has joined a growing number of nations aiming to shield young individuals from online risks by introducing legislative measures to limit social media access. On Wednesday, the government unveiled a new digital safety initiative requiring platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to verify users are at least 16 years old. The proposal, known as the Safe Social Media Act, would establish a regulatory body called the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee compliance and define platform safety standards.

Marc Miller, Canada’s minister of identity and culture, emphasized the urgency of the measure, stating, “Child safety must not be secondary. We must implement fundamental protections to ensure every young person in this country can navigate digital platforms securely.” To pass, the bill requires approval from both the House of Commons and the Senate.

Similar efforts have emerged globally, including proposals in the UK, Malaysia, France, Greece, and Spain, addressing youth mental health challenges, cyberbullying, and educational disruptions. Australia pioneered such legislation in November 2024, mandating platforms to disable underage accounts or face penalties of up to $33 million. The Australian law led to the deactivation of approximately five million accounts, though critics argue it may push minors toward less regulated online spaces.

Tech companies and civil society groups have raised concerns over identity verification processes, labeling them as invasive surveillance that could compromise personal data. In contrast, the U.S., home to major social media firms, has opposed broad age verification mandates, favoring targeted restrictions on explicit content rather than comprehensive platform oversight.

Canada’s current proposal coincides with a policy review to ease requirements for foreign streaming services to invest in domestic programming. While officials cite consumer cost concerns, critics suggest this shift reflects diplomatic considerations with the U.S. administration. Technology policy expert Michael Geist of the University of Ottawa questioned the approach, calling it “superficial,” arguing that excluding users rather than fixing systemic issues offers limited long-term solutions.

A prior Canadian attempt to regulate tech platforms, the Online Harms Act, stalled in 2024 due to free speech concerns. Wednesday’s bill revives select provisions, including removal of explicit content and platform accountability for non-compliance. Meanwhile, Australia’s eSafety authority reported a decline in underage social media usage, from 50% to 31%, but warned of risks from unrestricted platforms.

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