#freedom-of-speech

The Canadian federal government's proposed Online Harms Act, Bill C-63, aims to create a safer online environment by compelling digital platforms to address harmful content. The legislation seeks to protect children from sexual exploitation and cyberbullying while combating hate speech and content that incites violence or terrorism. However, the bill has ignited a fierce debate, with critics raising significant concerns about its potential impact on freedom of expression, the vagueness of its definitions, and the broad powers granted to a new Digital Safety Commission. The legislation represents a critical juncture for Canada's digital policy.

The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at protecting users, particularly children, from harmful online content. The bill proposes creating a new Digital Safety Commission to enforce new rules for social media platforms, imposing a duty to act responsibly. It also includes significant amendments to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act, introducing a new hate crime offense with severe penalties. The legislation has ignited a fierce debate, with critics from civil liberties groups raising serious concerns about its potential impact on free expression.