Manitoba to ban social media, AI chatbots for youth, premier says

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.