The Conservative Party of Canada has announced plans to introduce legislation that addresses online harms and includes a provision specifically prohibiting the use of digital ID for age verification purposes.
The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, is positioned as an alternative to the Liberal government’s Bill C-63. The Conservative bill aims to update criminal harassment laws, provide tools for parents to protect children online, and set requirements for online platforms.
While it expressly prohibits the use of digital ID for age verification, it does not constitute a comprehensive ban on digital ID systems in all contexts.
The Conservative Party’s stance on digital ID has been somewhat nuanced. They have expressed support for Bill S-210, which would require age verification for accessing pornographic websites, but have emphasized their opposition to implementing a digital ID system or infringing on privacy for this purpose. Instead, they advocate for “privacy preserving and trustworthy age verification methods” without specifying the exact mechanisms. Garner said that these methods could include “computer algorithms that ensure reliable age verification”.
It’s worth noting that while there has been political debate around digital ID and age verification policies, including criticism exchanged between Conservative leader Poilievre and Prime Minister Trudeau, the Conservative Party’s official policies do not include a blanket ban on digital ID.
Source: CBC
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September 17, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
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