The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that child-safety advocates and tech experts are urging the federal government to reintroduce the on-line harms bill, Bill C-63, in two parts to expedite child protection measures. The Globe's Marie Wolfe writes that the bill, which died when Parliament was prorogued in January, aimed to combat on-line child abuse and hate but faced criticism for proposing strict penalties for hate propaganda and hate crimes, including life sentences for inciting genocide.
OpenMedia reports that hundreds of messages have been sent to MPs urging the government to reintroduce the on-line harms bill. The focus is on enhancing on-line safety for children and youth, establishing an independent regulator to address predatory behavior, bullying and abuse, while also safeguarding on-line privacy and expression. The bill faced criticism from civil liberties groups for proposing a "peace bond" to deter potential hate crimes, which could include penalties like house arrest.
Government ministers plan to reintroduce the on-line harms bill, but the lead in Parliament is yet to be confirmed. Carol Todd, mother of cyberbullying victim Amanda Todd, is advocating for the bill's swift return.
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