New Brunswick bill targets pressure tactics aimed at kids online

New Brunswick has introduced the Young Consumers in Digital Markets Act to protect children under 16 from being misled into online purchases. Justice Minister Rob McKee said the Financial and Consumer Services Commission would handle complaints and could secure refunds or cancel unfair charges. Companies that pressure kids to buy, or use advertising to unfairly influence them, could face fines of up to $5 million and jail time. The rules would cover apps, software, music, artificial intelligence and social media, including companies without Canadian offices. The commission would not moderate content and will get no extra money for the work.