Three stories we’re following in June

We’re already into June- here are three stories Helix is following this month:

• The federal government introduced the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) in the House of The new legislation will regulate social media and AI chatbot services, targeting severe online harms and protecting children. The bill will create a new independent regulator, the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, to enforce transparency and statutory obligations on tech operators. Helix realizes there is more that needs to be done to protect children’s privacy rights, but we are hopeful that this can be a step in the right direction.
• Happy Pride to all who celebrate. We’re concerned with recent setbacks in the LGBTQs2+ movement globally and in Canada. Everyone deserves the same rights to be happy and live the life they want to live.
• We’re hearted by the recent Waterloo decision about homeless in Canada as it lays out the rights of homeless people, including homeless and underhoused children and youth. In the landmark ruling in Waterloo, a judgement from the Ontario Superior Court has declared that discriminatory treatment of people experiencing homelessness is a violation of equality rights under the Charter of Rights & Freedoms.