Online harms bill would create new hate crimes, duties for social media, stiff fines, imprisonment

By Cristin Schmitz (February 27, 2024, 5:57 PM EST) -- The federal government’s proposed Online Harms Act was welcomed by several advocacy groups who rated it a substantial improvement over Ottawa’s proposed blueprint three years ago; however red flags were raised, including questions around new hate crime provisions and penalties; whether the definitions of the targeted online harms are appropriately tailored; and whether a proposed new online regulator’s broad discretionary powers have adequate safeguards....