Advocates Rally for Expanded Online Harms Legislation to Include AI Chatbots and Gaming

April 27, 2026 - 15:08

OTTAWA — Children’s advocates are set to gather on Parliament Hill Monday for a rally and press conference, demanding that proposed online harms legislation be broadened to explicitly cover artificial intelligence chatbots and video games. The demonstration, organized by a coalition of child safety organizations, aims to pressure lawmakers to close what they describe as critical loopholes in the current bill.

The advocates argue that the rapid integration of AI-driven chatbots into platforms used by minors poses unique risks, including exposure to manipulative or harmful content, data privacy violations, and potential psychological harm. Similarly, they contend that interactive video games, particularly those with chat functions and microtransactions, require specific regulatory oversight to protect children from exploitation, cyberbullying, and addictive design patterns.

“The digital landscape has evolved far beyond simple social media platforms,” said a spokesperson for the coalition. “Children now interact daily with AI chatbots and immersive gaming environments that can shape their behavior and wellbeing. Our laws must keep pace.”

The rally is expected to feature testimonials from parents, educators, and young people who have experienced harm through these technologies. The coalition is urging the government to mandate age-verification systems, transparency in AI algorithms, and stricter content moderation for gaming and chatbot interactions. Monday’s event underscores growing urgency as the federal government continues to debate the scope of its online safety framework.