B.C. urges Ottawa to fast-track online harms and AI regulations

The Government of British Columbia is calling on the federal government to introduce stronger laws to address online harms and regulate artificial intelligence. Attorney General Niki Sharma and Minister of State Rick Glumac say unregulated social media and AI pose growing risks, particularly to children and youth.

The province is advocating for national legislation that would set minimum safety standards, potentially including age-based restrictions on social media or limits on harmful content. Officials argue federal action is necessary to ensure consistent protections across Canada.

B.C. has raised concerns about issues such as harmful algorithms, deepfake content, and unsafe chatbot interactions, and says stronger oversight would help ensure technology is developed and used responsibly while protecting public safety.