The B.C. government is welcoming new federal legislation aimed at making social media safer, but says more work is needed to better protect young people online.

Attorney General Niki Sharma says the proposed Safe Social Media Act is a positive step toward addressing harm linked to social media and AI chatbot platforms.

She says the province has been pushing for stronger national standards, arguing that self-regulation by online platforms has not done enough to keep people safe.

Sharma says she's encouraged the bill includes several measures that B.C. has been advocating for, including age-appropriate design standards and stronger oversight to ensure platforms comply with the rules.

However, she says the legislation falls short of the province's request for a clear national reporting threshold that would require platforms to identify and report credible threats of violence or plans to cause harm.

Sharma says B.C. wants the legislation passed quickly and is urging the federal government to include provinces and territories as it develops the regulations and enforcement framework for the new law.

The province says it will continue pressing for clear, enforceable rules for online platforms, with the goal of making the internet a safer place for children, youth, and families.

To see Attorney General’s and minister’s statement on the federal Safe Social Media bill, visit Government of British Columbia.