A Canadian province is considering a ban on kids under 16 from using AI chatbots and social media, with other provinces and the federal government following suit.
The measure, announced by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, aims to protect children from the harms of these platforms, which he says are designed to maximize engagement and profit.
Other provinces, including Saskatchewan and Quebec, are also considering similar measures, while Australia has already barred youth under 16 from accessing social media.
The Canadian government is taking the matter seriously, with the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture saying they are working to prevent children under 16 from creating social media accounts and interacting with AI chatbots.
The issue of AI chatbots gained attention after a 18-year-old shooter in British Columbia was found to have interacted with ChatGPT before committing a mass shooting, highlighting the need for greater regulation and oversight.
