Provincewide public consultations are reportedly being launched by the Manitoba government to confront the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen protections for personal data and ensure children and families are shielded from emerging digital threats, Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz announced today.
“AI is advancing faster than most people realize and with that speed comes real risks, especially for children. Manitobans deserve strong safeguards…Our priority is protecting kids and ensuring every Manitoban’s personal data is treated with the highest level of care,” said Moroz.
Two urgent and interconnected priorities will be focussed by the consultations aa follows:
Modernizing Manitoba’s data privacy laws so every person has enforceable rights, strong protections and confidence their information cannot be misused, exploited or accessed without authorization; and
establishing clear, practical rules for the responsible AI use, particularly when AI systems are used to make, recommend or influence decisions that affect a person’s rights, opportunities, benefits or access to essential services.
Risks such as identity theft, deep fakes, child-targeted manipulation, biased algorithms and misuse of personal data in public and private systems will be addressed by the measures.
The Manitoba government will consider setting age limits based on the results of the consultations, for access and a requirement for the private sector to establish consent as part of an opt-in process for Manitobans data.
“The rise in AI‑generated child sexual abuse material and deepfakes represents a rapidly escalating threat to the safety of our 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. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection commends the Manitoba government for launching these consultations and looks forward to contributing to this process,” said Lianna McDonald, executive director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
“The work ahead is not just about compliance, it is about safety, dignity and trust,” said Moroz. “Parents are worried. Young people are being exposed to technologies that can track them, influence them or impersonate them. Manitobans need to know their government is stepping in to set boundaries and protect them.”
Everyday Manitobans will engage the consultations including Indigenous governments, youth, educators, researchers, municipalities, private and non-profit organizations, front-line civil servants and the business
