Nova Scotia Liberal Party announces new bill

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has announced a new bill, called the Social Media Responsibility Act. If passed, it would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

Liberal House Leader Iain Rankin will introduce the bill in the Nova Scotia legislature in September. It would be the first such bill in Canada. So far, such legislation has been introduced at the national level in Australia, which is coming into effect in December, and Norway is also in the public consultation phase.

Many experts, including Unplugged Canada, have supported it, saying it can reduce risks such as depression and cyberbullying among children.

However, the Liberals only have two seats in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, so the bill will need the support of the provincial NDP and the ruling Progressive Conservatives for it to pass.