Canada drafts copyright rules for AI training, eyes social media age limits
Canada's government is preparing new regulations on how copyright holders get compensated when AI systems use their work, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon said at Web Summit Vancouver this week.
Solomon also signaled the government is moving forward on age restrictions for social media platforms and stricter oversight of AI chatbots. The announcements come as Canada invests C$66 million across more than forty AI projects and opens a major data center in British Columbia with Telus.
Copyright compensation and culture sector input
Solomon recently hosted a summit in Banff with Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, bringing together filmmakers, music industry representatives, and union officials. The focus was copyright protection as AI systems increasingly train on creative work.
"We are setting up the first AI and culture advisory board, so we have regular input from the culture sector, from writers on copyright issues," Solomon said. "We will be soon coming forward with some recommendations on what's the best way to have compensation."
Social media and AI safety oversight
The government is examining age restrictions on social media platforms, following models adopted by Manitoba and Australia. Solomon cited the fatal shooting in Tumbler Ridge, where the attacker's account had been flagged by OpenAI for review but was not reported to law enforcement.
"We're open to the opportunities about social media and AI and we're candid about the concerns," Solomon said.
Canada's AI Safety Institute is already reviewing safety protocols inside OpenAI. The government also plans new legislation on algorithmic transparency for automated decision systems, deletion rights, and deepfake regulation.
For government professionals managing AI implementation, these regulatory developments signal where compliance requirements are heading. Understanding AI for Government policy frameworks will be essential as rules solidify.
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