CANADA BANS SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UNDER-16S

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has unveiled new legislation that would prohibit social media use for Canadians under 16 unless platforms meet specified safety requirements. The bill directly targets major companies including Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp., establishing a conditional access model rather than an outright ban. Companies must demonstrate compliance with safety standards to allow younger users on their platforms. The measure reflects growing regulatory pressure on social media companies globally regarding youth protection. Canada joins other jurisdictions considering age restrictions and safety requirements for minors accessing digital platforms. The legislation requires platforms to implement protections against harmful content, data collection practices, and algorithmic amplification of dangerous material targeting minors. Companies will need to verify user age and enforce compliance mechanisms. The bill enters Parliament as social media regulation accelerates worldwide, with governments increasingly scrutinizing platform practices affecting young users.