“Manitobans deserve strong safeguards, clear rules and a government that will not hesitate to act when technology threatens privacy, safety or basic rights. Our priority is protecting kids and ensuring every Manitoban’s personal data is treated with the highest level of care,” Manitoba Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz said in the release.
The province is set to consider measures to address risks such as identity theft, deepfakes, child-targeted manipulation, biased algorithms and misuse of personal data in public and private systems.
Based on the results of the consultations, Manitoba will consider setting age limits for access to AI systems and establishing consent as part of an opt-in process for the private sector to access Manitobans’ data.
Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said that a rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material and deepfakes represents a rapidly escalating threat to the safety of children, families and communities.
“These harms are real and carry long-term consequences for survivors. Manitobans, more than ever, need their government to act decisively to protect them from online exploitation,” she said in the release.
The province noted that the consultations will engage everyday Manitobans, Indigenous governments, youth, educators, researchers, municipalities, private and non-profit organizations, front-line civil servants and the business community.
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