Definition
Proposed Canadian legislation that would impose legal obligations on companies operating AI chatbots to proactively identify and mitigate safety risks to users—including harms from manipulation, addiction-like engagement, and exposure to dangerous content. It would create a new Digital Safety Commission with enforcement powers.
Why it matters
If passed, Bill C-34 would make Canada the first G7 country to impose affirmative duty-of-care obligations specifically on AI chatbot operators, not just platforms. Companies operating customer-facing AI assistants in Canada should begin risk-identification programmes now to prepare for potential compliance requirements.