C-288Protection Against Online Fraud Act
An Act to enact the Protection Against Online Fraud Act and to amend the Criminal Code
Private member's bill, introduced in the House of Commons on June 17, 2026
- Status
- At second reading in the House of Commons since June 17, 2026
What it does
Requires online platforms to prevent and remove fraudulent content, notify users who saw it, and adds a sentencing factor for identity theft or fraud against vulnerable victims.
What it does
- Requires owners and operators of online services and apps to take reasonable steps in how they are designed and run to prevent fraudulent content from being spread.
- Requires operators to remove content that has been identified as fraudulent and to notify users they know or should reasonably know engaged with it.
- Requires operators to keep records of removed content and notices sent, and to publish reports with prescribed information.
- Makes breaking these rules an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $1 million, unless the operator can show due diligence.
- Adds a Criminal Code sentencing factor for identity theft or identity fraud committed against a victim made vulnerable by their age, health or financial situation.
Who it affects
- Online platform operators
- Social media services
- Online video game services
- People who use online services
- Victims of identity theft or fraud
Background
The bill defines “operator” to include owners or operators of online services or applications that connect to the Internet. It also amends the Criminal Code to add a sentencing factor for identity theft or identity fraud against vulnerable victims.
Where it is
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Current stage. Now here
Committee
Not reached.
Report stage
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Senate
First reading
Not reached.
Second reading
Not reached.
Committee
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Not reached.
Introduced by an MP who is not a minister. These bills compete in a lottery for debate time, and most do not become law. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
What MPs said
Each party’s first speech on this bill in the House, from Hansard. Excerpts are the speaker’s opening sentences, unedited.
LiberalRob Oliphant· January 26, 2026
“I want to reiterate the comments made by my colleagues and thank the member for Jonquière for raising the issues addressed in the bill. Our government is a strong advocate for integrity, transparency and accountability in the treaty-making process.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caConservativeZiad Aboultaif· January 26, 2026
“The bill, should it become law, would constrain the royal prerogative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs by requiring a committee review and report back to the House and by requiring the advice of the House before ratification. This would, to put it simply, make it more difficult to ratify treaties.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caBlocSébastien Lemire· January 26, 2026
“I obviously cannot give the first speech of 2026 without wishing you a happy new year. This will be a very promising year, particularly for Quebec.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.ca
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: Outside the Order of Precedence. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.