Canada's New Digital Safety Bill Bans Social Media for Under‑16s, Offers Tech Companies Re‑entry Path

Ottawa is moving forward with a digital safety bill that has been long anticipated. The legislation will prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The ban aims to protect minors from online harms and excessive screen time. The bill also includes a provision for technology firms to regain access. Companies can re‑enter the market if they demonstrate platform clean‑up. The clean‑up requirement focuses on removing harmful content and improving safety tools. Ottawa hopes the conditional re‑entry will encourage better industry standards. The law will take effect after the required regulatory processes are completed.