Achi news desk-
British Columbia’s government is delaying its proposed online harm legislation after reaching an agreement with some of the biggest social media platforms to increase online safety.
Premier David Eby says in a joint statement with representatives of the companies Meta, TikTok, X and Snapchat that they will form an online security action table, where they will discuss “tangible steps” towards protecting people from harm on -line.
Eby added that the proposed legislation continues, and the province will reactivate it into law if necessary.
“The agreement we have struck with these companies is that we are going to move quickly and effectively, and that we need meaningful results before the end of this government’s term, so that if we need to bring the bill. back then we will,” said Eby on Tuesday.
The province says the social media companies have agreed to work 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 other events.
The announcement to delay Bill 12, also known as the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act, is a sudden turn for the government, after Eby announced in March that social media companies were among the “wrongdoers” and would pay for health. -related costs associated with their platforms.
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. .
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. .
“In the real world we would never allow a company to set up a children’s space where grown adults could be invited in to contact them, encourage them to share photographs and then threaten to distribute those photographs to their family and u friends,” said Eby when announcing the legislation.
The premier previously said companies would be shut down and their owners would face jail terms if their products were linked to harm to young people.
In announcing the pause, the province says bringing social media companies to the table for discussion serves the same purpose of protecting youth 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,” Eby said.
Ryan Cleland, Carson’s father, said in a statement Tuesday that he had “faith” in Eby and the decision to stop the legislation.
“I don’t think he looks at it from a political point of view as much as he looks at it as a father,” he said of Eby. “I think getting the social media giants together to find a solution is a step in the right direction.”
Business groups objected
On Monday, the opposition BC United called for a pause on Bill 12, citing “potential serious legal and economic consequences for local businesses.”
Opposition Leader Kevin Falcon said in a statement that his party pushed the Eby government to change course, noting that the vague language of the legislation about who the province can prosecute “would have had serious unintended consequences” for local businesses and the economy.
“The government’s latest retreat is not only a victory for the business community but for all British Columbians who value fairness and clarity in the law,” said Falcon.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade said it was pleased to see the legislation delayed, given the “potential consequences” of a “broad interpretation” of the proposal.
“We hope the government chooses not to pursue Bill 12 in the future,” board president and CEO Bridgitte Anderson said in a statement. “Instead, we would welcome the opportunity to work with the government to develop well-targeted and effective measures, ensuring they protect British Columbians without causing unintended consequences.”
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