Manitoba will ban youth from using social media and AI chatbots, Premier Wab Kinew announced on Saturday.

The proposed law protecting youth from the harmful effects of social media will be the first of its kind in Canada.

The premier said the platforms are intentionally designed to get people "addicted to the infinite scroll," contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

"They're doing these very awful things to kids all in the name of a few likes, all in the name of more engagement, and all in the name of money," Kinew said at an NDP fundraising gala in Winnipeg on Saturday night.

"More money for a group of rich tech bros who already have a ton."

Social media use among youth has been linked to health issues ranging from reduced sleep and attention to long-term mental health issues, but academics say more study is needed to establish causes.

Premier Wab Kinew announced the first-in-Canada ban at a fundraiser on Saturday

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-social-media-age-restrictions-9.7177470

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

Manitoba will ban youths from using social media and AI chatbots. No word on how / when this will be implemented yet, but Wab Kinew says its going to happen. This will be the first social media ban in Canada