New Canadian Legislation Mandates Removal of ‘Harmful’ Online Content by Tech Companies.
Canada has introduced a draft law that mandates tech platforms to promptly remove online content considered harmful, including material that sexualizes children and fuels hate speech.
The Online Harms Act, presented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, aims to hold tech companies accountable for addressing seven categories of harmful content and to heighten penalties for disseminating online hate.
Under the proposed law, Canadians can demand content removal within 24 hours, pending a review process, and file complaints against individuals propagating hateful rhetoric at a human rights tribunal.
The bill defines seven harm categories, encompassing intimate content shared without consent, content fostering hatred, incitements to violent extremism or terrorism, incitements to violence, cyberbullying of children, and content encouraging self-harm among minors.
Additionally, the legislation proposes the establishment of a digital safety commission to enforce standards, which would include mandating platforms to implement child protection features like parental controls and safe search settings.
Trudeau emphasized that the legislation seeks to hold tech companies responsible for the harmful content they host and aims to create safer online environments.
The government emphasized its commitment to respecting Canadians’ freedom of expression while highlighting the importance of ensuring access to an online environment where individuals can freely express themselves without concerns for their safety or well-being.
Furthermore, the government underscored an immediate necessity for enhanced protections for social media users, especially children.
The bill will undergo scrutiny by a parliamentary committee and subsequent review by the Senate, potentially undergoing revisions before transitioning into law.
The government’s suggestions have sparked strong resistance from conservative circles.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, and a vocal critic of Trudeau whom he has accused of being “woke” and “authoritarian,” argued last week that the government’s proposals would encroach upon the freedom of expression of Canadians.
“What does Justin Trudeau mean when he says… the word hate speech?” Poilievre said in remarks aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “He means speech he hates.”
