Specifics of Canada's Approach to Online Safety

Abstract

Online platforms are increasingly central to participation in economic, democratic, cultural and public life. However, such platforms can also be used to threaten and intimidate Canadians and to promote views that target communities, put people's safety at risk, and undermine Canada's social cohesion or democracy. The Government of Canada is committed to putting in place a transparent and accountable regulatory framework for online safety in Canada and confronting online harms while respecting freedom of expression, privacy protection, and the open exchange of ideas and debate online. Now, more than ever, online services must be held responsible for addressing harmful content on their platforms and creating a safe online space that protects all Canadians. The new legislation would set out a statutory requirement for regulated entities to take all reasonable measures to make harmful content inaccessible in Canada. This obligation would require regulated entities to do whatever is reasonable and within their power to monitor for the regulated categories of harmful content on their services, including through the use of automated systems based on algorithms.