Canada has introduced legislation that would require users to be at least 16 years old to access major social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, joining an international effort to protect children online.

The proposed Safe Social Media Act, unveiled Wednesday by Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, would establish a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee enforcement and set safety standards for online platforms.

Under the plan, minors could access only those services that meet the standards.

"The safety of children can't be an afterthought," Miller said, arguing that stronger protections are needed to shield young users from online harms.

The proposal follows similar moves in countries including Britain, France, Greece, Malaysia, and Spain.

In 2024, Australia became the first nation to enact a nationwide social media age restriction, requiring tech companies to remove underage users or face fines of up to $33 million.

Australian authorities say the measure led to the deactivation of roughly 5 million underage accounts.

The Canadian proposal, however, faces criticism from privacy advocates, technology companies, and civil liberties groups, which argue that age-verification requirements could increase surveillance risks and expose personal data to cyberattacks.

University of Ottawa technology law expert Michael Geist described the approach as a "Band-Aid solution," saying governments should focus on improving online safety for all users rather than excluding younger audiences.

Meta said it is reviewing the proposal but warned that social media bans may be "counterproductive." TikTok did not immediately comment.

The bill must still pass both the House of Commons and Senate before it can become law. It also revives portions of Canada's failed 2024 Online Harms Act, including provisions targeting sexually explicit content and platform accountability.