The Canadian federal government is moving to create a new, centralized digital regulator with broad powers to enforce online safety and privacy rules.
The proposed agency would take over oversight of technology companies from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, marking a significant structural shift in how the country manages its digital economy.
The plan aims to streamline regulatory enforcement by combining safety and privacy mandates into one body.
This consolidation is intended to provide a more robust framework for holding tech platforms accountable, particularly as concerns over artificial intelligence and data misuse grow.
The move draws on previous legislative efforts, including proposed online safety laws targeting AI chatbots, which safety advocates have previously described as a "good start" but insufficient on their own.
While the proposal has garnered support from experts who argue for stronger digital governance, it has also sparked concern among some critics regarding the scope of the new regulator's powers.