A coalition comprising advocacy groups, health-care entities, and a telecom firm has united to urge the government to reintroduce legislation safeguarding children from online exploitation. The coalition convened in Ottawa on National Child Day and emphasized the need for swift action to combat online bullying and abuse, calling on Parliament to introduce the legislation before the year’s end.
Andrea Chrysanthou, Chair of Children First Canada, expressed concern over the exploitation, bullying, and manipulation of children nationwide, stressing the urgency for action to prevent further harm. The coalition, which includes Telus, children’s hospitals like Sick Kids and CHEO, along with child advocacy organizations such as the Child & Youth Advocacy Centres of Canada and the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, emphasized the critical nature of protecting children online.
Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association, highlighted the significance of safeguarding children online as a reflection of the nation’s values and its commitment to creating a safe future for children. The coalition’s efforts aim to push for the reintroduction of the Online Harms Act before the end of the year to address pressing issues affecting children’s safety on the internet.
Previously, the government introduced Bill C-36 in 2021 to address hate propaganda and hate speech but failed to advance it due to a federal election. Subsequently, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, in February of the following year to address online content harming children and promoting violence. However, concerns were raised about potential limitations on free speech within the legislation.
In response to the delayed progress on the legislation, the coalition launched a 40-day Countdown for Kids campaign to pressure the government to reintroduce the bill promptly. The campaign emphasizes the need for an independent regulator to enforce compliance with online safety laws and impose a duty of care on digital platforms to prevent harm against children.
Citing a rise in online child sexual exploitation incidents reported to police, the coalition stresses the need for urgent action to protect children online. The coalition’s campaign seeks to raise awareness about the escalating threats faced by children online and calls on all members of Parliament to prioritize the issue as a national emergency.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser mentioned that the government is considering whether to reintroduce or revise the Online Harms Act from 2024. The Liberals have pledged to criminalize the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes and introduce measures to combat online exploitation of children, highlighting the importance of strengthening laws to protect children in the digital space.