The BC Government says social media giants Meta, Snap, TikTok and, X have agreed to work collaboratively with the province on the development of Bill 12, its public harms legislation, and will be part of BC’s Online Safety Action Table.
The province says it will place Bill 12 on hold while discussions take place on how to create safe, empowering experiences online
In a news release, the province says it’s an opportunity to bring experts, parents, technology companies and government together to find new ways of helping young people stay safe online and be better protected from online harms.
The province added Meta has also committed to working with BC’s emergency management organization to help amplify official information for people in emergency situations like wildfires.
In March, Premier David Eby introduced legislation allowing it to sue corporations for the costs of their actions.
As an example, Eby stated young people are suffering from anxiety, depression and, eating disorders because of the pressures of constant on-line material.
In January, the province restricted the use of cell phones in schools.
Eby mentioned the provincial government will work with all school districts to ensure polices are in place by the 2024-25 academic year.
The province also launched services to remove images from the internet and pursue online predators as well as introduce legislation to hold social media giants such as Facebook and Instagram to account for the harms they have caused.
Much of these changes come after 12-year-old Carson Cleland of Prince George took his own life in the fall after falling prey to online sextortion.
Eby hinted at sweeping changes during an exclusive January interview with MyPGNow.com.
In addition, a man in Nigeria was also arrested and charged in connection with the death of a Surrey youth.
Police stated the boy’s “sudden death” in February of 2023 was linked to being a victim of what they’re calling on-line “financial sextortion.”
The official opposition noted the NDP’s decision to retract Bill 12 only comes after significant public backlash.
BC United stated the business community and concerned citizens across the province forced the NDP to acknowledge the flaws in the legislation.
– with files from My Kootenay Now staff