Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34)

Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) in Canada: pending, effective TBD (introduced June 10, 2026). Applies to Regulated social media services and AI chatbot services operating in Canada. Age range: Under 16. Prohibits social media accounts for persons under 16, backed by age-verification obligations on

Key facts

Key requirements

• Prohibits social media accounts for persons under 16, backed by age-verification obligations on operators
• Age-appropriate protections and safeguards for younger users on social media and AI chatbot services
• Enacts the Digital Safety Act and creates a Digital Safety Commission of Canada to enforce it and support victims
• Transparency and accountability duties for risks created by digital services
• Penalties up to 3% of global revenue or C$10 million, whichever is greater

Notes

Successor to the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which died on the Order Paper in January 2025. Introduced at first reading June 10, 2026 by the Carney government. Critics have questioned its constitutionality and workability; children's advocates are pressing for passage before the end of 2026.

Frequently asked

What does Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) require?

Prohibits social media accounts for persons under 16, backed by age-verification obligations on operators Age-appropriate protections and safeguards for younger users on social media and AI chatbot services Enacts the Digital Safety Act and creates a Digital Safety Commission of Canada to enforce it and support victims Transparency and accountability duties for risks created by digital services Penalties up to 3% of global revenue or C$10 million, whichever is greater

Who must comply with Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) in Canada?

Regulated social media services and AI chatbot services operating in Canada

When does Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) take effect and what is its status?

Effective TBD (introduced June 10, 2026). Current status: pending. Successor to the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which died on the Order Paper in January 2025. Introduced at first reading June 10, 2026 by the Carney government. Critics have questioned its constitutionality and workability; children's advocates are pressing for passage before the end of 2026.

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