Key Takeaways
- Bill C-34, the proposed Safe Social Media Act, was introduced by the Government of Canada on June 10, 2026.
- The proposal includes a minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media services, with a possible exemption for services that meet sufficient child-safety requirements.
- Official documents reviewed do not establish that Roblox, Minecraft and Discord would all be prohibited for users under 16.
Canada Proposes New Rules for Children's Online Safety
Canada is considering stronger protections for children online, including a proposed minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media services. The plan has prompted questions about whether popular gaming and communication platforms could also face restrictions, but the government's published proposal needs to be distinguished from speculation about individual services.
What Is Bill C-34?
On June 10, 2026, the federal government introduced Bill C-34, known as the Safe Social Media Act. The proposed legislation would establish new responsibilities for regulated social media services and artificial intelligence chatbot services to reduce online harms and improve child safety.
Under the proposal, covered services would have to assess risks, introduce appropriate safeguards and provide tools such as blocking and reporting features. Social media services would also face requirements concerning certain harmful content and greater transparency about their safety measures.
The proposed minimum age of 16 applies to accounts on certain social media services, not automatically to every website, application or online game. Services could seek an exemption if they demonstrate sufficient safeguards for children.
Will Roblox, Minecraft and Discord Be Restricted?
The distinction matters for families. Roblox and Minecraft are primarily gaming platforms, while Discord provides messaging and community features. The fact that these services include online communication does not, by itself, establish how the proposed legislation would classify or regulate each one.
The official government materials reviewed do not confirm a blanket under-16 prohibition covering all three platforms. The precise scope of regulated services and the details of implementation would depend on the legislation and applicable regulations.
Bill C-34 is proposed legislation, so it should not be presented as an already-enforced nationwide restriction.
TwikUp's Perspective
Protecting children online is a legitimate public concern, but clear communication is equally important. Parents need to understand which services would be covered, how age checks might work and what privacy protections would apply. Reporting the proposal accurately helps families prepare without creating unnecessary alarm over restrictions that have not been confirmed for specific platforms.