The federal government has introduced long-awaited legislation to combat harmful content online, and that includes the sexual exploitation of children.

Ottawa yesterday introduced Bill C-63, intended to strengthen online protection for children and provide safeguards against online hate and harmful content.

The Bill’s intent is to hold online platforms, including livestreaming and adult content services, accountable for the choices made that lead to what government calls the dissemination and amplification of harmful content on their platforms.

The minister says for too long, society has tolerated a system that allows online platforms to offload its responsibilities on parents.

The Bill also creates stronger laws to help protect against hatred, with the creation of a definition of “hatred” in the Criminal Code of Canada, and increased penalties for hate propaganda. A Digital Safety Commission and Digital Safety Ombudsperson will also be created.