Canada introducing digital charter to combat hate speech, misinformation
PARIS — Canada intends to introduce a new digital charter to combat hate speech, misinformation and online electoral interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a technology conference in Paris on Thursday.
Trudeau’s announcement, made during a speech at the VivaTech conference, an international summit that brings together startups and technology leaders, was short on specifics as to the charter’s contents.
But the prime minister said he’s confident the framework his government will propose will restore the faith of citizens while holding online platforms accountable.
“We look forward to working alongside internet companies, but indeed, if they do not choose to act, we will be forced to continue to act in ways that protect Canadians and we will have more to say about the kinds of tools we will be using in the coming weeks and months,” Trudeau said. “Canadians expect us to keep them safe, whether it’s in real life or online, and we will do just that.”