Whereas social media platforms, gaming platforms, and generative artificial intelligence systems are widely used by Canadians, including youth, and certain platform design, algorithmic, and monetization practices can create foreseeable risks of harm, including exploitation of children and vulnerable populations, manipulation of public discourse, and foreign interference; And whereas Canada currently lacks a clear and comprehensive legislative framework establishing accountability standards for digital platforms, while other jurisdictions have adopted statutory duties of care and regulatory oversight to address systemic online harms and align with emerging international governance approaches: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocate to the Government of Canada to establish clear federal legislation creating a duty of care for digital platforms, requiring reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable harm, protect youth and vulnerable users, and ensure accountability where platforms fail to meet these obligations; And be it further resolved that AKBLG and UBCM request that the Government of Canada engage in meaningful consultation with local governments and communities, and coordinate with international partners, in the development of such legislation.
