Freedom of Speech on Social Media: How Canada’s Online Harms Act Goes Too Far

This essay will examine how Canada’s Online Harms Act affects freedom of speech, specifically on social media platforms. While the bill has good intentions, such as stopping child exploitation, its broad scope carries the risks of restricting free speech. The Online Harms Act (also known as Bill C-63) will be analyzed through John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle and Joel Feinberg’s Offense Principle. The paper argues that while restrictions on online speech are justified in extreme cases to prevent harm, Bill C-63 goes too far— imposing harsh penalties such as fines or imprisonment. Furthermore, these penalties can even be applied to cases where a person might engage in future speech deemed harmful. The essay contends that the Online Harms Act should be narrowed in scope, focusing on the most serious violations. A balance must be struck between having online safety and upholding the right to freedom of speech.