Social media ban for under-16s consistent with Charter, government says

OTTAWA — The Liberal government says while its proposed digital safety legislation might affect freedom of expression, the bill itself is consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Bill C-34 would ban social media access for kids under 16 and experts have warned it is likely to face a constitutional challenge.

The government included the analysis in a Charter statement, a document issued by the justice minister that looks at whether a bill is consistent with the Charter.

It says the bill might engage freedom of expression and equality rights, as well as section 8 of the Charter, which deals with privacy.