2025.06 THE REGULATION OF AI AND THE DARK WEB TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND SAFETY OF CANADIANS
Whereas #1 the proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies and the activities conducted through the dark web pose escalating risks to the privacy, security, and safety of Canadians; and
Whereas #2 such risks disproportionately impact women and children, thereby exacerbating existing vulnerabilities; and
Whereas #3 notwithstanding existing and proposed Canadian legislation, significant legislative and regulatory gaps persist with respect to artificial intelligence and dark web governance, thereby continuing to endanger the safety and security of individuals, with women and children remaining particularly vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and abuse; and
Whereas #4 although the use of artificial intelligence and access to the dark web are legal in Canada, the dark web is a primary venue for criminal activity, and current regulatory oversight of artificial intelligence and online harms remains fragmented, with federal reforms stalled and provincial legislation imposing varied obligations on organizations, thereby resulting in inconsistent and inadequate protections for vulnerable individuals; and
Whereas #5 the Government of Canada, by virtue of its ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), its endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), together with its domestic obligations under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including Section 7, which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of the person, and Section 15, which guarantees equality before and under the law and equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination, is required to safeguard the rights and safety of women and children, including their rights to privacy, security, and protection from exploitation; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the misuse of artificial intelligence and the dark web in ways that threaten the privacy, security, and safety of Canadians be addressed; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to adopt and implement comprehensive regulations to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence and dark web technologies; and be it further
Resolved #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to report annually to Parliament on progress in implementing these measures, including compliance with international human rights obligations and the impact of regulations on the safety and security of Canadians in the digital environment.