Canada Explores Age Limits for AI Chatbot Access Amid Concerns

The Canadian government is assessing potential age limits for children using AI chatbots, a move prompted by rising concerns about the impact of such technology on young users. At the recent Govern or Be Governed conference in Montreal, Evan Solomon, the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, highlighted discussions around the appropriateness of access to AI chatbots. “There are lots of discussions around folks who are asking us, hey, should there be a certain age-appropriate access to certain parts of chatbots. We’re going to look at that,” Solomon stated, according to a report from the Canadian Press.

While a specific bill has not yet been introduced, Solomon assured attendees that he is actively working on legislation. Additionally, the government has initiated a new 30-day task force aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence to establish better regulatory frameworks. This task force has launched a public questionnaire, which has attracted participation from over 6,500 respondents. Solomon noted that the questionnaire takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and aims to gather diverse perspectives on AI usage.

Concerns regarding the accessibility of AI chatbots to children have gained urgency in light of tragic incidents involving young users. At the conference, parents of a child who died by suicide after forming a relationship with an AI friend created on Character.AI shared their experiences. This incident is part of a broader pattern, with multiple lawsuits filed against Character.AI and other major AI companies, including OpenAI, relating to self-harm and mental health issues linked to chatbot interactions.

In addition to age restrictions, Solomon indicated that the government is considering regulations that would empower Canadians to request the removal of deepfake content featuring them. The potential impact of AI technology on vulnerable populations, particularly children, is a central focus of this ongoing investigation. As the inquiry progresses, the government aims to balance innovation with the need to protect its citizens from potential harms associated with advanced technologies.

As discussions around the ethical implications of AI continue, Canada’s proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for responsible regulation in this rapidly evolving field. The outcomes of the task force and proposed legislation will be closely watched as they may set precedents for AI governance both domestically and internationally.