Canada Proposes Online Harms Act to Combat Hate Speech

The new legislation seeks to impose stricter penalties for online abuse and establish regulatory bodies to enforce digital safety.

The Canadian government introduces the Online Harms Act, proposing stricter penalties for online hate, including life imprisonment for inciting genocide.
The legislation aims to establish a Digital Safety Commission to enforce new rules and a digital safety ombudsperson to support victims.
Social media platforms, live-streaming services, and adult content websites will be required to remove harmful content within 24 hours of it being flagged.
Critics argue the bill threatens free speech and label it as part of a 'woke authoritarian agenda,' while supporters emphasize the need for online safety.
The bill must pass through Canada's Parliament and Senate, where it may face amendments before becoming law.