B.C. premier calls for stronger AI chatbot reporting requirements in federal online harms bill

British Columbia Premier David Eby says the federal government's proposed online harms legislation does not go far enough in addressing risks associated with artificial intelligence chatbots.

Eby criticized the bill for not requiring technology companies to report dangerous or suspicious user activity to police. He said companies should be obligated to notify law enforcement if a user is believed to be using an AI chatbot to plan a violent crime.

The premier pointed to the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, stating that the suspect's chatbot account had been flagged before the attack. According to Eby, OpenAI did not provide information to Canadian police before the incident despite concerns being identified.

While raising concerns about the bill's treatment of AI tools, Eby expressed support for its social media safety provisions. The legislation includes measures that would restrict social media access for children under the age of 16.

The B.C. government has previously indicated it may consider provincial action if gaps remain in federal legislation. Eby said the province is prepared to examine additional measures should federal rules prove insufficient.