As the Canadian federal government prepares to introduce legislation banning social media for children under 16, concerns have been raised about the implications of such a ban. Michael Karanicolas, an associate professor of law at Dalhousie University, stated that implementing these restrictions could significantly impact privacy and freedom of expression. He highlighted that while the ban aims to limit minors' access to social media platforms, it may also lead to unintended consequences, including a potential constitutional challenge. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has called for the federal government to prevent social media companies from advertising to minors. Karanicolas noted that similar measures in Australia have not been entirely effective, with reports indicating that 70% of Australian minors have found ways to bypass these restrictions. He stressed the importance of effective regulation while acknowledging that young people use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to engage in political discourse, raising questions about the balance between safety and rights under the Canadian Charter.