Canada has introduced legislation that would require users to be at least 16 years old to access major social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, joining an international effort to protect children online.
The proposed Safe Social Media Act, unveiled Wednesday by Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, would establish a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee enforcement and set safety standards for online platforms.
Under the plan, minors could access only those services that meet the standards.
“The safety of children can’t be an afterthought,” Miller said, arguing that stronger protections are needed to shield young users from online harms.
The proposal follows similar moves in countries including Britain, France, Greece, Malaysia, and Spain.
In 2024, Australia became the first nation to enact a nationwide social media age restriction, requiring tech companies to remove underage users or face fines of up to $33 million.
