Have your say: The Government’s proposed approach to address harmful content online

Current status: Closed

This consultation ran from July 29 to September 25, 2021.

About the consultation

Online platforms are increasingly central to participation in democratic, cultural and public life. However, such platforms can also be used to threaten and intimidate Canadians and to promote views that target communities, put people’s safety at risk, and undermine Canada’s social cohesion or democracy.

The Government of Canada is committed to putting in place a transparent and accountable regulatory framework for online safety in Canada. Now, more than ever, online services must be held responsible for addressing harmful content on their platforms and creating a safe online space that protects all Canadians.

What we heard

See the “What we heard” report for summaries of the discussions that took place.

2 documents were presented for consultation:

1. A discussion guide that summarized and outlined an overall approach.
2. A technical paper that summarized drafting instructions that could inform legislation.

About the proposed approach

The Government proposed a new legislative and regulatory framework that would create rules for how social media platforms and other online services must address harmful content. The framework set out:

• which entities would be subject to the new rules;
• what types of harmful content would be regulated;
• new rules and obligations for regulated entities; and
• two new regulatory bodies and an Advisory Board to administer and oversee the new framework and enforce its rules and obligations.