Liberals taking ‘fresh' look at online harms bill, justice minister says
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government plans to take a 'fresh' look at its online harms legislation over the summer but it's not clear yet exactly what the bill will look like when it is reintroduced.
It would be the Liberals third attempt to pass legislation to address harmful behaviour online.
Fraser told The Canadian Press in an interview that the government hasn't decided whether to rewrite or simply reintroduce the Online Harms Act, which was introduced in 2024 but did not pass.
He said Canadians can expect measures addressing deepfakes and child exploitation 'to be included in legislative reforms coming up in the near future.'
In their election platform, the Liberals promised to make the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes a criminal offence. They also pledged to introduce a bill to protect children from online sexploitation and extortion, and to give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to pursue those crimes.
Story continues below advertisement
3:38
Justice Minister demands Online Harms Act support: 'Surely 338 people can agree' on protecting children
Fraser said the growth of artificial intelligence is influencing the discussions.
The spread of generative AI has changed both the online space and everyday life since the federal government first introduced the legislation.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'We will have that in mind as we revisit the specifics of online harms legislation,' he added. 'The world changes and governments would be remiss if they didn't recognize that policy needs to shift.'
Online harms legislation was first proposed by then-heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in 2021, but after widespread criticism, the government pivoted and shifted the file to the justice minister.
Guilbeault is now back in his old ministry, which has been renamed Canadian identity and culture. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also created an artificial intelligence ministry, headed up by rookie MP Evan Solomon.
Story continues below advertisement
Fraser said he expects 'significant engagement' with Guilbeault and Solomon but it will be determined later which minister will take the lead on it.
1:33
Moms share harrowing stories of online child sexual abuse to push for Bill C-63
The first version of the bill alarmed critics who warned that the provision requiring platforms to take down offending content within 24 hours would undermine free expression.
When Fraser's predecessor, Arif Virani, introduced the Online Harms Act in 2024, the bill restricted that 24-hour takedown provision to content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, or intimate content shared without consent, including deepfakes.
It also required social media companies to explain how they plan to reduce the risks their platforms pose to users, and imposed on them a duty to protect children.
But the government also included Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act amendments targeting hate in the same legislation — which some said risked chilling free speech.
Story continues below advertisement
In late 2024, Virani said he would split those controversial provisions off into a separate bill, but that didn't happen before this spring's federal election was called and the bill died on the order paper.
Fraser said no decision has been made yet on whether to bring back online harms legislation in one bill or two.
'That is precisely the kind of thing that I want to have an opportunity to discuss with stakeholders, to ensure we're moving forward in a way that will create a broad base of public support,' he said.
8:59
Justice Minister says online harms bill is not 'about insults launched from a smartphone'
Fraser said the government could 'modify existing versions that we may have on the shelf from the previous Parliament as may be needed, or to accept the form in which we had the legislation.'
He added he wants to have a 'fresh consideration of the path forward, where I personally can benefit from the advice of those closest to the file who know best how to keep kids safe online.'
Story continues below advertisement
While the government hasn't set a date to introduce legislation, it could include some online harms measures in a crime bill Fraser plans to table in the fall.
Fraser said online harms provisions that 'touch more specifically on criminal activity' could be 'included in one piece of legislation, with a broader set of reforms on online harms at a different time.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
8 minutes ago
- Canada News.Net
Canada: Chief organiser of National Security Conference calls for unity against extremism
Ontario [Canada], June 30 (ANI): Ritesh Malik, Chairperson of Canada India Foundation and chief organiser of National Security Conference, said that the conference was against extremism in Canada. Malik, while talking to ANI, said that the conference aimed to call the policymakers of Canada to assist them in the cause. He said, 'We are doing this conference united against extremism today here in Canada, which we as Canadians feel is very important and timely for all of us. As a community, we are going through a lot of threats in terms of extremism, and this is not against any community, any individual, or any organisation. This conference is for Canada, to preserve Canada in its pristine state, and to ensure that we address the current challenges we face as Canadians in Canada, particularly in dealing with extremism and the suffering of communities daily. We need to call this out and make sure government policymakers and everybody who cares for Canada listens to us and make sure they do their best to help Canada.' Former Canadian Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said that the question of extremism in Canada is not paid much attention to by the lawmakers either. He said, 'Today's meeting is important. I think it's probably one of the first public meetings in a long time that would highlight the question of extremism in Canada, particularly in the Indo-Canadian community, and how the politicians in this country haven't paid much attention to it, and how extremism, drugs, smuggling and even the immigration rackets all sometimes come together coalesce to create problems for our society.' Sanjay Lazar, an aviation expert and author who lost his entire family in the 1985 Air India bombing, said that he hoped to establish a learning centre to bring about awareness about the cause. 'This is also the 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing where I lost my entire family. I'm here to speak to everyone in the hope that we will be able to establish a memorial learning centre in Canada and in India, and also bring this subject into effect in the education system right across Ontario, BC and Canada,' he told ANI. Wyatt Claypool, a Canadian journalist said that the conference helped in taking Canadian foreign policy seriously. He said, 'It's a great conference as we're talking about national security and foreign policy seriously. Canada has become a country that often backstabs its allies. Whether it's India or Israel, we take the wrong side. We talk like second-year foreign policy students obsessed with de-escalation. We forget that sometimes there is a right and a wrong.' Danial Bordman, another Canadian journalist, said that radical elements are infiltrating Canada, including schools now, which is the focus of the event. He said, 'The focus of today's event is to counter the various types of extremism rising through Canada. We have Islamist groups, the Muslim Brotherhood, IRGC connected, Pakistani ISI-funded, Khalistanis, and radical far-left elements infiltrating our schools. So all the worst people in the country are very mad that this is happening. But I'd say all the best people in the country are in this building right now. So I'm excited to be here.' The Canada India Foundation (CIF), in collaboration with The Alliance to Fight Secessionism and International Khalistani Terrorism (TAFSIK), convened a powerful one-day National Security Conference on Sunday under the theme 'United Against Extremism'. Held at the Paramount EventSpace in Woodbridge, Ontario, the conference brought together prominent voices from across Canada to deliberate on the growing threats posed by extremist ideologies, foreign interference, and their impact on Canada's domestic security. (ANI)
Vancouver Sun
4 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Digital Services Tax axed to 'advance' trade talks with U.S: Finance Department
The federal government's Digital Services Tax has been rescinded to 'advance broader trade negotiations' with the United States, the Finance Department announced late Sunday night . The decision was made 'in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement' with the U.S., a news release said, in the hope that the two countries can come to a deal by July 21 with Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump agreeing to resume negotiations 'consistent with this action.' There was no immediate reply to an email from the Toronto Sun asking if Carney or Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne planned to address the media Monday on the developments. 'In our negotiations on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, Canada's new government will always be guided by the overall contribution of any possible agreement to the best interests of Canadian workers and businesses,' Carney said in the statement. 'Today's announcement will support a resumption of negotiations toward the July 21, 2025, timeline set out at this month's G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis.' Government of Canada rescinds digital services tax to advance broader trade negotiations with the United States. The DST, the government said, was announced in 2020 to address large technology companies operating in Canada that 'may not otherwise pay tax on revenues generated from Canadians.' Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. However, it was a source of irritation south of the border with Trump calling off trade and tariff talks with Canada on Friday, describing the tax as a 'direct and blatant attack' on his country. The statement said the anticipated Monday collection of the DST will be halted with Champagne expected to soon bring forward legislation to rescind the Digital Services Tax Act. 'Canada's new government is focused on building the strongest economy in the G7 and standing up for Canadian workers and businesses,' Champagne said. 'Rescinding the Digital Services Tax will allow the negotiations of a new economic and security relationship with the United States to make vital progress and reinforce our work to create jobs and build prosperity for all Canadians.'
Canada News.Net
4 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
National Security Conference in Canada calls for stronger action to counter radical forces
Ontario [Canada], June 30 (ANI): The Canada India Foundation (CIF), in collaboration with The Alliance to Fight Secessionism and International Khalistani Terrorism (TAFSIK), convened a powerful one-day National Security Conference on Sunday under the theme 'United Against Extremism'. Held at the Paramount EventSpace in Woodbridge, Ontario, the conference brought together prominent voices from across Canada to deliberate on the growing threats posed by extremist ideologies, foreign interference, and their impact on Canada's domestic security. The conference addressed a harsh and sobering reality: Canada's multicultural democracy is increasingly being manipulated by radical elements that import divisive agendas from overseas. The event featured discussions around historical failures like the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, the rise of foreign-funded extremist groups, and the urgent need for a coordinated national response to counter radicalization, misinformation, and transnational crime. 'The idea behind this conference is not to single out any individual or community,' said Ritesh Malik, founder of Canada India Foundation and chief organiser of the event. 'This conference is for Canada to preserve Canada. We came to this country for its peace and values, and we now see extremism threatening those very foundations. Our communities face daily threats. It's time policymakers, security agencies, and elected officials listen and take action.' One of the major focal points of the conference was the 1985 Air India bombing--Canada's deadliest act of terrorism that claimed 329 lives, most of them Canadian citizens. Sanjay Lazar, an aviation expert and author who lost his entire family in the tragedy, made an emotional plea. 'This year marks the 40th anniversary of that bombing,' Lazar said. 'It wasn't just an attack on a flight; it was a direct assault on Canadian values. We're still waiting for a memorial learning centre and want this story to be integrated into the Canadian education system. We owe that to the victims and future generations.' The conference's 'Human Cost of Terrorism' session explored how affected communities, particularly Indo-Canadians and Jewish Canadians, continue to suffer the consequences of extremism through hate crimes, threats, and targeted violence. 'There was a recent attack on a Jewish school--spraying bullets at children. The perpetrators are still at large,' one speaker noted. 'Is this failure of intelligence or dangerous apathy?' The event also examined modern-day threats ranging from Islamist networks and Khalistani separatists to far-left radicals and foreign intelligence-linked agents operating in Canada under the guise of human rights activism. Danial Bordman, a Canadian journalist, did not mince words: 'We are dealing with Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, ISI-backed Canadians, Khalistanis, and radical far-left elements. It's alarming that these forces continue to operate openly while policy remains paralysed. But I also see the best people here today--and I hope this conference yields action.' Wyatt Claypool, another Canadian journalist, echoed the need for a principled foreign policy and stronger national resolve. 'Canada has become the country that often backstabs its allies. Whether it's India or Israel, we take the wrong side. We talk like second-year foreign policy students obsessed with de-escalation. We forget that sometimes there is a right and a wrong.' He continued, 'The Liberals haven't taken this threat seriously. Under Stephen Harper, at least we had a direction. Now, it's chaos.' Ujjal Dosanjh, former federal Health Minister and one of the most respected Indo-Canadian political voices, said, 'Today's meeting is probably the first in a long time to publicly address extremism in the Indo-Canadian community. Politicians have ignored this issue for far too long. What we see now is an intermingling of extremism, drug smuggling, and immigration fraud--creating serious problems for our society.' Community participant Guneet Singh praised the inclusive nature of the event. 'This is a Canadian issue, not an Indian issue. Illegal immigration, extremism--these are problems affecting all of us. It's good that platforms like CIF and TAFSIK are stepping up and bringing together people from across social, political, and digital spaces.' Panelists also discussed the reluctance of mainstream media and public institutions to address these challenges openly. 'Extremists are posting threats online and waving AK-47s, and the RCMP remains silent,' a speaker noted. 'Hate is disguised as freedom of expression, and security agencies walk on eggshells.' One section of the conference focused on Bill 63, legislation which panelists argue curtails freedom of expression for moderate voices, while shielding radical ones from criticism. 'Laws like this suppress open dialogue, which is essential to challenge extremism,' a speaker noted. The conference's objective was not just to diagnose the problems but to push for solutions. Speakers advocated for better intelligence sharing, law enforcement empowerment, and reforms in immigration to weed out exploitation by radical elements. They also called on the media to abandon fear-based self-censorship and speak honestly about growing threats. 'We must protect the vast majority--the peaceful, gentle citizens of Canada,' a panelist urged. 'The Canadian Charter of Rights was never meant to shield violence or extremism. It must protect the innocent, not the dangerous.' The conference concluded with a commitment to compiling a comprehensive report based on its findings, which will be submitted to Canadian lawmakers and security agencies. 'The time for silence is over,' said Ritesh Malik in closing remarks. 'Canada deserves to be what it was, what it should be, and what we want it to be for our children.' (ANI)
