Public-Private Partnership Enhances Online Safety in B.C.

Earlier this year, the B.C. government announced a pause on Bill 12, the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act, to allow for the creation of a new BC Online Safety Action Table. This decision came after numerous organizations and businesses, including BCBC and many of our members, expressed serious concerns about the potential impacts and unintended consequences the bill could have on businesses and investment in the province.

Today’s announcement by Meta of significant product changes to better protect youth online, along with the Online Safety Action Table Report issued by the government highlights the meaningful progress that can be achieved when industry and government work together.

This groundbreaking collaborative effort between large tech companies and the Government of B.C. sets a positive example, showing that working together can ensure solutions are reached faster and with greater alignment than through legislation and litigation, benefiting all British Columbians in the process.

This is a welcome development that delivers a clear win-win—faster changes to protect youth while not inadvertently undermining the investment climate of the province.