Here’s what you need to know about Ottawa’s new policies on social media and AI
Here’s what you need to know about Ottawa’s new policies on social media and AI
Publish Date: 2026-06-20 06:07:00
Source Domain: halifax.citynews.ca
- The Liberal government recently introduced several key pieces of AI and digital regulation legislation, including a new AI strategy and the social media bill (Bill C-34).
- Bill C-34 aims to block kids under 16 from accessing social media; platforms can apply for exemptions with sufficient safeguards unless offering adult content.
- Privacy Bill C-36 recognizes privacy as a fundamental right and includes higher standards for managing children’s data and transparency in automated decision-making.
- The privacy bill provides the new Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission with powers to enforce regulations, including large fines for violations.
- The government passed a separate bill criminalizing non-consensual sexual deepfakes to address issues with deepfakes.
- It unveiled an AI strategy investing $2.3 billion to boost AI literacy and adoption, with a goal of creating up to 340,000 new jobs by 2031.
- In relation to streamers, Ottawa decided to provide $600 million annually to support Canadian content instead of enforcing new CRTC rules requiring more financial contributions from streaming services.
- The new AI and digital safety laws are expected to gradually come into effect starting in late 2028, after a lengthy legislative process and regulator setup.
