Canada Urgently Needs Legislation to Regulate Social Media Platforms, Says Cybersecurity Expert
In a recent testimony to a Parliamentary committee, Emily Laidlaw, an expert in cybersecurity law at the University of Calgary, emphasized the need for Canada to pass legislation to oversee social media platforms. Laidlaw called for the appointment of an independent regulator with the power to impose significant financial penalties.
Taking Action Now
Laidlaw stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is time to act now.” She highlighted the immense power that social media platforms hold and expressed concern that Canada is lagging behind in regulating these platforms. Laidlaw pointed out that other countries, such as Europe, the U.K., and Australia, already have Online Harms Laws legislation in place to address the issues discussed by the committee.
Promises from the Government
The Liberal government has long promised an online harms bill, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently reiterated their commitment to protecting against online harms. However, concrete action is yet to be taken.
International Examples
Laidlaw pointed to the European Union’s Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts, which came into effect in August. These acts impose special obligations on online marketplaces, introduce measures to counter illegal content, and protect minors online. Australia also has an eSafety Commissioner and passed the Online Safety Act in 2021 to hold online service providers accountable for user safety.
The Consequences of Delay
When asked if Canada is too late to regulate social media platforms, Laidlaw responded, ”We’re not too late now, but we will be soon if we don’t introduce laws.” It is crucial for Canada to take action promptly to address the growing concerns surrounding data harvesting, misinformation, and disinformation.
The Role of Legislation
Laidlaw emphasized that online harm is not solely a privacy issue but a safety design problem. Legislation should encourage the private sector to design platforms that restrict the spread of toxic content and misinformation. While social media platforms can collaborate and innovate, regulatory power is necessary to ensure industry standards are met.
Key Elements of an Online Harms Bill
Laidlaw outlined several essential components that should be included in a Canadian online harms bill. These include platforms having a duty to manage the risks of harm, protect fundamental rights, and be transparent. The bill should also establish a regulator to investigate companies, educate the public, and provide recourse for victims.
Additional Perspectives
Matt Malone, an assistant law professor at Thompson Rivers University, criticized the government’s ban on federal employees using TikTok on government-owned devices. He argued that the ban is selective and suggested banning all social media apps unless there is a business reason. Malone also highlighted the need for Canadian law to address data collection concerns and prevent the transfer of personal data outside the country.
In conclusion, Canada must take swift action to regulate social media platforms and protect its citizens from online harms. Legislation is needed to establish oversight, impose penalties, and ensure the safety and privacy of users. By learning from international examples and addressing the concerns raised by experts, Canada can create a safer online environment for all.
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