Amanda Todd’s Mother Critiques Carney Government’s Online Safety Efforts

Carol Todd, the mother of Amanda Todd, has expressed her discontent with the Canadian federal government’s recent approach to online safety. She argues that the Liberal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney has not done enough to combat online harms, particularly through proposed changes to the Criminal Code. Following the failure of the Online Harms Act to pass Parliament, she feels there has been a significant lack of progress in addressing the issue of online safety.

In a recent interview with the National Post, Todd stated, “They knew how important this online harms bill was to many people, right, and why it was important. It’s really important, but I’ve heard squat, diddly squat, and that’s not making me happy right now.” Her daughter, Amanda, tragically died by suicide in March 2012 after being a victim of online sextortion, bringing national attention to the dangers of online interactions.

Government’s Response to Online Safety Concerns

Despite the pressing need for enhanced online safety measures, the Carney government has not provided a clear plan for reintroducing the Online Harms Act. This bill aimed to establish a regulatory framework for social media platforms and impose stricter penalties for online hate speech and other harmful content. The absence of a definitive statement regarding this legislation has left advocates like Todd frustrated.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser has introduced a separate bill focused on hate crimes, which includes definitions of “hatred” within the Criminal Code. While Fraser acknowledges the need to legislate against certain online criminal behaviors, he has indicated that questions regarding the broader strategy for online harms should be directed to other government officials. Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault has also been linked to future plans, with a spokesperson asserting that online safety remains a priority for the government.

During the last election campaign, the Liberals promised to criminalize the non-consensual sharing of “sexualized deepfakes,” a term referring to images generated by artificial intelligence. Yet, stakeholders have noted a troubling delay in action, as many in the field of children’s health are calling for stronger accountability measures for online platforms.

The Call for Prevention and Education

Todd emphasizes the importance of preventive measures rather than solely reactive legal changes. She advocates for better education and awareness regarding online safety, particularly among parents. “We need prevention,” she stated, highlighting that the ultimate goal should be to protect children from potential harm before it escalates. The emotional toll of going through court proceedings is something Todd knows all too well, having endured the legal process after her daughter’s death.

Aydin Coban, the individual responsible for tormenting Amanda Todd, was sentenced to 12 years for his crimes, a sentence later reduced to six years by Dutch authorities. Coban had a history of similar offenses, illustrating the dire consequences of unchecked online predation.

As the Carney government navigates other pressing issues, including international relations and economic strategies, the future of online safety legislation remains uncertain. Todd’s calls for clarity and action reflect a broader public concern for the safety of children in the digital age. She urges the government to prioritize this issue, stating, “I want to know from them that this is a priority. This needs to be done, and when will it be done?”

With the ongoing discussions surrounding online safety, the impact of Amanda Todd’s story continues to resonate, serving as a critical reminder of the urgency needed to protect vulnerable users online.