Whereas enacting legislation prohibiting Canadians under 16 from accessing social media platforms and Artificial Intelligence AI chatbots, and requiring technology companies to implement secure, privacy compliant age verification systems to enforce these minimum age restrictions supports online safety; And whereas requiring platforms to report to appropriate Canadian law enforcement authorities any credible threats of violence, criminal activity, exploitation, or other dangerous conduct involving users over 16 that result in suspension or removal, and establish meaningful, proportionate financial penalties or operational restrictions for companies that fail to comply with these reporting and age verification requirements and investing in education programs that help youth, parents, educators, employers, and employees understand the safe use of online technology promotes the safe use of these tools: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Government of Canada to prohibit access to social media platforms and AI chatbots for Canadians under 16; require technology companies to implement secure, privacy compliant age verification systems; mandate reporting of credible threats or dangerous conduct to law enforcement; establish proportionate penalties for non compliance; and invest in education programs that promote safe online technology use.
