Recent reports circulating online have sparked confusion over whether Canada plans to ban X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. However, official statements from January 2026 confirm that Canada is not banning X. Instead, the federal government is moving forward with new legislation focused on regulating AI-generated content, online safety, and digital harms.
Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, addressed the rumors directly on January 11, 2026, stating: “Contrary to media reports, Canada is not considering a ban of X.” The speculation emerged amid growing international concern over AI-generated deepfakes, particularly following criticism of X’s AI tool, Grok, for its potential misuse in creating non-consensual sexual imagery.
While leaders in other countries, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have suggested that platform bans could be considered if risks escalate, Canada has opted for a more targeted regulatory approach rather than outright prohibition.
Canada’s Legislative Response to AI and Online Harms
Instead of banning platforms, the Canadian government is advancing Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, which focuses on addressing the misuse of artificial intelligence. The bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to explicitly include AI-generated deepfakes under the legal definition of intimate images.
The legislation aims to hold individuals accountable for creating and distributing non-consensual AI-generated content, particularly imagery that targets women and children. While platforms like X are not being banned, the government has emphasized that social media companies have a duty of care to prevent harm and protect users from exploitation.
In parallel, Canada is also pushing forward with Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, which targets serious online threats such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and hate speech. Rather than blocking platforms, this bill introduces significant financial penalties for companies that fail to moderate harmful content effectively.
Why Some Canadian Institutions Are Leaving X
Although there is no government-wide ban, some Canadian institutions have chosen to reduce or end their presence on X. Notably, the Supreme Court of Canada announced in early 2025 that it would stop actively posting on the platform, citing concerns about public trust, safety, and the quality of digital discourse.
Despite this, many government departments and officials continue to use X as a communication channel.
The Bigger Picture
Canada’s stance reflects a broader global trend: regulating AI misuse and online harms without resorting to sweeping platform bans. The government’s primary concern remains non-consensual AI-generated imagery, not the existence of X itself.
As AI tools become more powerful, Canada’s approach signals a shift toward accountability, user protection, and platform responsibility rather than censorship.
