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Canada Enacts Law Requiring Tech Firms to Delete 'Harmful' Online Content

Canada Enacts Law Requiring Tech Firms to Delete 'Harmful' Online Content

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserts that major internet companies have not adequately safeguarded children's online safety.

Canada Enacts Law Requiring Tech Firms
Under Trudeau's legislation, Canadians would be able to request the removal of content within 24 hours and file complaints against people spreading hateful speech at a human rights tribunal [Mike Segar/Reuters]

Canada has introduced a preliminary bill aiming to compel tech platforms to promptly eliminate online content considered harmful, such as material sexualizing children and inciting hate. Dubbed the Online Harms Act, the legislation presented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government on Monday would hold tech firms accountable for addressing seven types of harmful content and escalate legal consequences for propagating online hate.

The proposed legislation grants Canadians the ability to request the removal of content within 24 hours, pending a review process, and to lodge complaints against individuals disseminating hateful speech to a human rights tribunal.

The bill outlines seven categories of harm, encompassing intimate content shared without consent, content fostering hatred, incitement of violent extremism or terrorism, content provoking violence, cyberbullying of minors, and content encouraging self-harm among minors.

Additionally, the legislation seeks to establish a new digital safety commission tasked with enforcing these standards. It mandates platforms to implement features aimed at protecting children, such as parental controls and safe search settings.

Trudeau emphasized that the legislation aims to hold tech companies accountable for the harmful content they host, thereby creating safer online environments. He stated, "For too long, web giants have failed to keep kids safe online, often resulting in devastating consequences."

The government underscored its commitment to upholding Canadians' freedom of expression while ensuring access to online environments where individuals can express themselves freely without fearing for their safety. It stressed the urgent need for enhanced protections for social media users, especially children.

The bill will undergo scrutiny by a parliamentary committee before potentially undergoing revisions in the Senate en route to becoming law.

he government's proposals have sparked strong opposition from conservatives.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, has criticized Trudeau, accusing him of being "woke" and "authoritarian." Poilievre argued that the government's plans would encroach upon Canadians' freedom of expression. "What does Justin Trudeau mean when he says... the word hate speech?" Poilievre questioned in remarks broadcasted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. "He means speech he hates."

Canada's proposals mirror similar legislation in other Western nations, such as the United Kingdom's Online Safety Law, the European Union's Digital Services Act, and content moderation laws in the U.S. states of Florida and Texas.

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