The federal government has introduced a new bill, the “Online Harms Act,” aimed at tackling harmful online content and enhancing punishments for hate propaganda and child sexual exploitation material. Justice Minister Arif Virani emphasized the necessity of addressing the disturbing content available online, stating that the bill focuses on the worst of what is observed.
Categories of Harmful Content:
The bill targets seven categories of harmful content, including content that sexually victimizes children, induces self-harm, incites violence, and spreads hatred. The intent of the legislation is to reduce users’ exposure to harmful content and hold online platforms accountable for how they handle such material.
Implications for Online Services:
Social media platforms, live-streaming services, and user-uploaded adult content services will be subject to the new regulations. Failure to comply could result in significant fines for these platforms. The legislation aims to empower users by giving them more control over the content they see and interact with online.
Duties for Online Platforms:
The bill proposes three primary duties for online services: to protect children, act responsibly, and make certain content inaccessible. These duties require platforms to assess and mitigate risks, provide tools for users to flag inappropriate content, and remove harmful material promptly.
Creation of a Digital Safety Oversight Body:
The bill also proposes the establishment of a digital safety commission and ombudsperson to enforce the new rules and address complaints from Canadians. The commission will have the authority to order the removal of specific types of harmful content, while the ombudsperson will focus on educating the public and consulting victims.
Reforms to Address Hate and Child Exploitation:
In addition to targeting harmful online content, the bill includes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act to address hate propaganda and child exploitation material. The government aims to denounce and deter hate-motivated conduct more effectively and improve the reporting and prosecution of child sexual exploitation material.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the “Online Harms Act” is a significant step towards regulating harmful online content and holding platforms accountable for the material shared on their sites. By addressing issues such as hate speech and child exploitation, the government is taking proactive measures to create a safer online environment for all Canadians. However, the implementation of these new regulations will require ongoing collaboration between government officials, online platforms, and stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the legislation and protect vulnerable users from online harm.
Reference