News Summary

The Manitoba government has initiated provincewide public consultations to address growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications on privacy and youth protection. Announced by Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz, the consultations aim to inform future policies, including potential age restrictions for AI access and mandatory opt-in consent processes for collecting personal data. The initiative seeks to modernize data privacy laws, ensuring that Manitobans have enforceable rights and strong protections against misuse of their information. These efforts come amid a rising negative sentiment towards AI in the province, fueled by environmental and employment concerns. The consultations will engage various stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, young people, and private organizations, to gather comprehensive feedback on responsible AI use.