Will banning youth from AI and social media actually help the "anxious generation?" | CCPA

Manitoba plans to ban youth access to AI and social media, following Australia’s lead, with Canada considering similar restrictions. The debate centers on protecting children online while recognizing that platforms rely on opaque algorithms that maximize engagement, sometimes targeting young users. Proponents warn of risks including targeted manipulation, deepfake harassment, and Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse, while researchers note AI can both aid learning and impede creative thinking. Critics argue that bans could push youths to circumvent controls and widen digital divides, leaving them unprepared for adulthood. The UK’s stance to limit addictive features signals a broader policy trend toward balancing protection with access, privacy, and innovation.