Canada to Ban Social Media for Minors Under 16 as Carney Government Unveils Online Safety Bill

The Coming Crackdown on Big Tech

The federal government is set to introduce landmark legislation this week that would effectively ban Canadians under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. Sources within Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration confirmed that the long-awaited bill will be tabled this Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in Canada’s efforts to regulate the digital landscape and protect the nation’s youth.

The proposed legislation is expected to establish a new federal regulator tasked with enforcing safety standards and targeting various forms of harmful online content. This move follows a global trend of stricter digital oversight, with Canada looking toward the models recently established in the United Kingdom and Australia. The bill is slated for introduction just days before the House of Commons is scheduled to rise for its summer recess.

Exemptions and Safety Frameworks

While the ban on minors under 16 is a core pillar of the legislation, the Carney government has included a path for platforms to seek exemptions. To qualify, social media companies must demonstrate robust capabilities and technical safeguards that prove they can keep young users safe while using their products. Notably, the legislation is not expected to apply the same ban to AI chatbots, though it will establish a rigorous set of responsibilities that these developers must meet.

The push for these regulations comes after intense pressure from child safety advocates and health organizations. Since taking office last year, Prime Minister Carney has faced calls to revive the regulatory momentum lost when the previous administration’s efforts, specifically Bill C-63, died in Parliament in early 2025.

A Shift in Federal Policy

Heritage Minister Marc Miller, who is spearheading the initiative, has indicated that the government is closely observing international precedents. The Australian model, which pioneered age-based bans, appears to be a primary influence. Domestic support for the measure is also growing beyond the federal level; Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has expressed interest in implementing similar protections at the provincial level.

Under the new regime, platforms will likely be required to submit annual safety plans. These documents must outline mitigation strategies for high-risk harms, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, content encouraging self-harm, and material that incites extremism. As the bill heads to the House, the tech industry and digital rights advocates are bracing for a heated debate over privacy, enforcement, and the future of the Canadian internet.