Canadian Medical Researchers Call for Tougher Oversight of Social Media and AI Chatbots

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 15, 2026

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Canada should move ahead with legislation that would make social media companies and AI chatbot providers accountable for the safety of their products, according to a new analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on October 13.

The authors, including SickKids pediatrician Dr. Charlotte Moore Hepburn, argue that protecting children requires more than removing harmful posts. Regulators must also be able to challenge platform features that encourage excessive engagement, expose young users to dangerous material or enable unwanted contact from strangers.

Their recommendations draw on digital safety frameworks introduced in the United Kingdom, European Union and Australia. While those systems differ, the researchers identify enforceable design standards, independent supervision and meaningful corporate accountability as essential elements of effective regulation.

The legislation would establish an independent Digital Safety Commission with powers to investigate compliance, conduct inspections and impose financial penalties. The CMAJ authors also recommend ongoing evaluations to determine whether the rules protect young users while preserving their ability to communicate and learn online.

Introduced by the federal government on June 10, 2026, Bill C-34 remains at second reading in the House of Commons. Its proposed safeguards are therefore not yet legally in force.