Achi news desk-
The BC government is delaying its proposed online harm legislation after reaching an agreement with some of the biggest social media platforms to make people safer online.
Premier David Eby says in a joint statement with representatives of the companies Meta, TikTok, X and Snap that they will form an online security action table, where they will discuss “tangible steps” towards protecting people from harm on -line.
Eby says the social media companies have “agreed to work collaboratively” with the province on harm prevention, while Meta will also commit to working with BC emergency management officials to help amplify official information during natural disasters and events others.
“We have received assurances from Facebook on a couple of things. First, that they will work with us to provide British Columbia with urgent information in this wildfire season that (people) can rely on, that they can find easily, and that will link to official government channels to distribute information quickly and effectively,” Eby said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“This is a big step and I’m very appreciative that we’re in this place now.”
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BC is taking steps to protect people from harm online
The announcement to delay the measure is a sudden turn for the government, after Eby announced in March that social media companies were among the “mistakers” who would pay for health-related costs linked to u platforms.
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At the time, Eby compared the harms of social media to those caused by tobacco and opioids, saying the legislation was similar to previous laws that allowed the state to sue companies that sell those products. .
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Carol Todd on taking action against online harm
Last August, Eby criticized Meta for its ongoing blackout of Canadian news outlets as wildfires forced thousands from their homes. Eby said it was “unacceptable” for the tech giant to cut access to news on its platforms at a time when people needed timely, potentially life-saving information.
“I think it’s fair to say I was very skeptical, following the initial contact (with Meta),” Eby said on Tuesday.
Eby said one of the key drivers for legislation targeting online harm was the death of Carson Cleland, a 12-year-old boy from Prince George, BC, who died by suicide last October after suffering online abuse. .
The premier says when announcing the pause that bringing social media companies to the table to discuss them serves the same purpose of protecting young people from online harm.
“Our commitment to all parents is that we will do everything we can to keep their families safe online and in our communities,” the premier said in his statement.
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