Canada Introduces Legislation to Limit Internet Access for Children Under 16

The Government of Canada has introduced Bill C-34 in Parliament, aimed at limiting access to Internet media to children under the age of 16. The proposed legislation has a provision to prohibit the creation of Internet media accounts for children in this age group. However, companies that provide evidence that adequate and effective measures are in place to protect children will be exempt. Canadian Minister of Identity and Culture Mark Miller introduced the bill on Wednesday, calling it an important step in the government's effort to prevent online harm. The proposed legislation would impose new security responsibilities on Internet media platforms as well as AI chatbot services. It would create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, which would monitor compliance with the new rules. Companies that violate the law could be fined up to 10 million Canadian dollars or three percent of their global income, whichever is greater. The government says that existing laws take action after a loss occurs, while the new law is already in place to protect children from potential online threats. The latest move to increase Internet media access to Australia's national level will be in Australia before the age of 16.