Canada Proposes Teen Social Media Ban

Canadian authorities are proposing a social media ban for teenagers and children under 16, in a bid to protect minors from social media harm. 

The law provides extensive regulations to control AI chatbots and limit "harmful content" on the internet.

It would establish a regulatory body to make sure tech companies follow the rules.

It would also increase censorship, according to several free speech organisations.

The proposed law will reflect a similar one passed last year and by Australia and more recently by Malaysia.

But unlike the Australian law, tech companies can challenge the Canadian ban if they can prove with policies that can minimize harm to children. 

The law stems from several calls from parents and advocates to safeguard minors' presence online.

The proposed law, dubbed the Safe Social Media Act was brought before the House of Commons by the Minister of Culture, Marc Miller.

Commenting on the law, Miller said addressing online harms by passing it is a priority for the Canadian government. 

"Suffice to say, we will take all reasonable measures to make sure kids are safe in this country," he told reporters.

Similar legislation have already been passed in other countries such as France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom with its Online Safety Act.