NewzVille Desk
Canada has proposed a new digital safety legislation aimed at protecting children online and increasing oversight of artificial intelligence services.
The proposed Digital Safety Act would prohibit children under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts and require AI chatbot providers to take measures to limit harmful content.
The move places Canada among a growing number of countries tightening regulations on digital platforms amid concerns over online safety and the impact of emerging technologies.
Here’s a look at how nations are reshaping the rules of the digital world for young users.
Australia enforced social media ban for minors under 16 from 10th December 2025, becoming the first country in the world to implement a nationwide restriction of its kind.
In Britain, PM Keir Starmer says in June 2026 that technology firms must stop children from circulating nude images online. Under the proposed reforms, companies would be required to deploy tools capable of detecting and blocking such content.
Denmark announced in November 2025 that it will ban social media for children under 15.
France approved legislation in January 2026 to ban social media access for children under 15.
Germany requires parental consent for social media users aged between 13 and 16. Child protection advocates argue that the existing safeguards are not strong enough.
Greece signaled in February 2026 that it is close to introducing a social media ban for children under 15.
Italy requires parental consent for children under 14 to open social media accounts. The restriction is aimed at tightening access for younger users.
Malaysia bars those under 16 from registering on social media platforms from 1st June.
Norway proposed raising the minimum social media age to 15 in 2024.
Poland proposed a social media ban for children under 15 on 27th February. The draft legislation would also make platforms responsible for verifying users’ ages.
Slovenia began drafting legislation on 6th February that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media.
Spain proposed a social media ban for users under 16 in February 2026. Platforms would also be required to introduce age-verification systems.
Sweden backed a minimum social media age of 15 on 2nd June. The proposal could make platforms responsible for conducting age checks.
In the United States, child online safety legislation cleared a key political hurdle. Several states already require parental consent before minors can access social media platforms.
At the European Union level, lawmakers backed restrictions on access for users under 16 in November 2025. The proposal could also lead to a complete ban for children younger than 13.
