The New Brunswick government has introduced legislation to prohibit unfair digital business practices targeting consumers under 16 and put school and child care technology policies into law. The proposed Young Consumers in Digital Markets Act would be administered and enforced by the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission. The proposed consumer protections would apply to providers of digital goods, services and platforms used by children under 16, including apps, games and social media. Providers would be prohibited from misleading young consumers, hiding important information or using pressure and urgency to induce purchases or agreement. The restrictions would also address practices that make agreements difficult to understand and advertising or communications that unfairly influence young consumers’ decisions or behavior. The rules would cover marketing and certain product design features. The broader Act Respecting Young Persons, Digital Markets, and Technology Use would also give legislative backing to school and child care technology policies implemented in September. Rules on cellphones and personal mobile devices for students in grades 9 through 12 will take effect at the start of the second semester in February 2027.
New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission would enforce proposed digital protections for consumers under 16
The New Brunswick government has proposed protections for digital consumers under 16, to be enforced by the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission. Providers would face restrictions on misleading information, pressure tactics, unclear agreements and advertising that unfairly influences young consumers. The broader legislation would also put school and child care technology policies into law, with mobile device rules for grades 9 through 12 taking effect in February 2027.