Members of Canada’s House of Commons debated a government proposal aimed at protecting children from online harms, including a ban on social-media accounts for users under the age of 16. The discussion Tuesday centered on Bill C-34, known as the safe social-media bill, which represents the Liberal government’s third legislative attempt to regulate digital platforms.

Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller framed the bill as a necessary response to a surge in online dangers, highlighting the increasing impact on youth and communities across the country. In his remarks, Miller cited a recent shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where a teenage assailant allegedly used an AI chatbot to seek advice on committing violence, resulting in eight deaths, most of them schoolchildren. He also noted a sharp rise in cyberbullying and online child sexual exploitation incidents over the past decade.

The proposed legislation would require social-media companies to block users under 16 from creating accounts unless they can obtain exemptions by demonstrating to a newly established digital safety regulator that sufficient child safeguards are in place. The bill also introduces regulations for AI chatbots that simulate human conversation, compelling companies to implement crisis intervention measures when users express intentions of self-harm or violence. However, AI chatbot use would not be subject to any age restrictions.

Conservative heritage critic Rachael Thomas voiced both concerns and cautious support during the debate. While acknowledging the serious harms children face online—including risks associated with AI chatbots—she questioned whether the bill’s measures would be effective in practice. Thomas pointed to the experience in Australia, where a comparable social-media age restriction largely failed to prevent youth from accessing platforms, as many migrated to smaller sites not regulated by that law. She stressed the importance of clear explanations regarding how age verification would be performed and how personal data would be protected from misuse or breaches.

Thomas also raised concerns about the bill’s limited focus on social-media feeds, highlighting that popular video gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft, commonly used by children and known sites for grooming and exploitation, are not included under current provisions. She recounted a disturbing case where an AI chatbot reportedly provided a suicidal child with instructions on how to overdose, prompting warnings about the urgent need for responsible AI regulation.

The bill’s supporters emphasize that it seeks to balance technological innovation with child safety, aiming to prevent tragic outcomes while allowing Canadians to benefit from digital advances. Critics, however, remain cautious about the bill’s enforceability and scope, calling for more transparency and comprehensive coverage across various online environments. The legislation now moves forward through further parliamentary stages for additional scrutiny and debate.