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Protecting kids or deputizing censors? The risks of Carney's social media ban

Lawyer David Fraser outlines free speech and privacy concerns with Bill C-34

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The Carney government has now officially tabled Bill C-34, also known as the Safe Social Media Act. Among other things, the bill creates a “duty to act responsibly” on social media companies, and a “duty to protect children,” including a new ban on social media for children under 16 (with some exception). In this interview with NP Comment’s Rob Breakenridge, privacy lawyer David Fraser outlines his concerns over the legislation, and the potential impacts on privacy and free speech. Fraser worries that the ban takes away parental control and discretion and could eventually be challenged in court. There’s also the privacy concerns now stemming from the sort of age verification that all users will be forced to go through. Moreover, Fraser warns, it’s not totally clear what the definition of “social media” is under this law or how broad that interpretation will be. In many ways, he says, the devil is still in the details. Watch the full video directly below.

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