Parties Agree on Urgent Action Needed for Online Harms Legislation
With time running out, parties push for new laws to protect children online amid ongoing political disputes
Online Harms, Canada, Arif Virani, Conservatives, Liberals, Child Safety
OTTAWA: Justice Minister Arif Virani is standing firm on the costs needed to create new regulators aimed at tackling online harms. He believes that ensuring children’s safety online is worth the investment.
Virani mentioned that the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates the cost at around $200 million over five years. This has sparked debate, especially with the Conservatives arguing it would lead to a huge bureaucracy.
Even if the Online Harms Act manages to pass through the House of Commons, the Conservatives have vowed to repeal it if they come into power. Both major parties agree that action is necessary, but they can’t seem to find common ground.
In a recent interview, Virani expressed frustration with the Conservative Party’s reluctance to invest in safety measures. He emphasized that protecting Canadians, especially children, should be a priority.
The Online Harms Act has been stalled for months due to ongoing disputes between the Liberals and Conservatives. The Conservatives are holding up progress until they receive certain documents related to past government spending.
Virani has proposed splitting the bill to expedite its passage, focusing first on the most critical provisions. He reflected on the urgency of the situation, especially considering the heartbreaking stories of families affected by online exploitation.
One such family is that of Carol Todd, whose daughter Amanda tragically took her own life after being a victim of online sextortion. Todd has been advocating for legislation for over a decade and is frustrated by the political gridlock.
The proposed legislation would require social media companies to take down harmful content quickly, particularly that which exploits children or shares intimate images without consent. Virani noted that there is widespread agreement on the need for swift action on these issues.
Despite the proposed changes, the Conservatives continue to criticize the bill, claiming it would create a censorship bureaucracy. They have introduced their own alternative, which they argue would be more effective.
Virani countered that the Conservative plan wouldn’t adequately address the immediate need to remove harmful images from the internet. He stressed that the goal is to protect families and children from online dangers.
While Virani’s plan may not be a quick fix, he believes it is a necessary step toward creating a safer online environment. He has received support from other parties, which could help the bill pass if it can overcome the current political hurdles.
As the situation evolves, Virani remains open to amendments and discussions with other parties to ensure the legislation effectively addresses the pressing issues of online safety.