The Manitoba government is launching provincewide public consultations 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 last weel.
“AI is advancing faster than most people realize and with that speed comes real risks, especially for children,” said Moroz.
“Manitobans deserve strong safeguards, clear rules and a government that will not hesitate to act when technology threatens privacy, safety or basic rights. Our priority is protecting kids and ensuring every Manitoban’s personal data is treated with the highest level of care.”
The consultations will focus on two urgent and interconnected priorities:
• 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.
The measures will address risks such as identity theft, deepfakes, child-targeted manipulation, biased algorithms and misuse of personal data in public and private systems.
Based on the results of the consultations, the Manitoba government will consider setting age limits for access and a requirement for the private sector to establish consent as part of an opt in process for Manitoban’s 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,” said Lianna McDonald, executive director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “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.”
“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.”
The consultations will engage everyday Manitobans, Indigenous governments, youth, educators, researchers, municipalities, private and non-profit organizations, front-line civil servants and the business community.