B.C. Premier David Eby speaks during an announcement in in Delta, B.C., on Monday, March 18, 2024. The British Columbia government is putting on hold the proposed legislation that would have allowed to province to take legal action against social media companies to recover health-related costs linked to online harm. THE CANADIAN PRESS
British Columbia has decided to temporarily shelve its proposed legislation aimed at addressing online harms, following discussions with major social media companies. Premier David Eby announced that while the legislation remains intact, it will be put on hold as the province collaborates with Meta, TikTok, X, and Snap to find effective solutions for enhancing online safety.
Eby emphasized that the agreement with these companies prioritizes swift and meaningful action, with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes before the current government's term concludes. He expressed optimism about the formation of an online safety action table, where key issues regarding online protection, particularly for children, will be addressed through cooperative efforts.
This development marks a significant departure from the government's previous stance, notably in March when Premier Eby singled out social media platforms as accountable parties for health-related costs associated with their services. Back then, Eby likened online harms to those caused by tobacco and opioids, signaling a tough approach akin to previous legal actions against harmful products.
The impetus for the original legislation stemmed partly from the tragic death of Carson Cleland, a 12-year-old boy from Prince George, B.C., who died by suicide after being subjected to online exploitation. Eby highlighted the urgency of addressing such incidents, underscoring the need to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from online threats.
While acknowledging initial skepticism, Eby revealed that Meta (formerly Facebook) had engaged in constructive dialogue with the province, even extending commitments to collaborate on emergency communications during natural disasters. These discussions, Eby stressed, must lead to tangible changes that reflect a genuine commitment to safeguarding the well-being of British Columbians, including families like the Clelands.
Ryan Cleland, Carson's father, expressed support for the decision to suspend the legislation, viewing it as a positive step towards finding solutions rather than a purely political maneuver. Opposition Leader Kevin Falcon commended the government's decision, citing concerns over the potential adverse impacts of the legislation on local businesses and the economy.
Similarly, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomed the pause on the legislation, highlighting the need for targeted and effective measures that safeguard individuals without unintended consequences. Board President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and stakeholders to devise practical solutions.
Eby reiterated that while the bill is on hold, it remains an option should the need arise. The ultimate goal, he emphasized, is to enact changes that make a tangible difference in safeguarding children and families in the online sphere.
