Canada’s proposed under-16 social media ban likely to face Charter challenge

Experts say Canada’s proposed ban on social media access for children under 16 could face a constitutional challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The issue has gained attention after France’s top court recently struck down a similar ban for children under 15, ruling that the measure was too broad and infringed on freedom of expression.

Dalhousie University associate law professor Michael Karanicolas said a Charter challenge to Canada’s legislation is “almost inevitable.” He argued that social media has become an important platform for young people to participate in political discussions and make their voices heard.

Karanicolas and Tamir Israel, a director at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, both pointed to environmental activist Greta Thunberg as an example. Thunberg was 15 when she gained international recognition for her activism.

Israel said Canada’s proposed Bill C-34 contains several similarities to the French legislation, which the French court found to be overly broad and unconstitutional.