Action Canada is urging the federal government to prioritize investments in a cohesive, national framework for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and to conduct a thorough risk analysis of AI-generated and platform-based disinformation related to sexuality, sexual health, reproductive health, and gender. The call for action comes as generative AI continues to shape public perception, underscoring an urgent need for reliable information in these critical areas.
The growing prevalence of a “move fast and break things” mentality among major tech corporations raises concerns when applied to sexual health services and education. The potential repercussions are significant, warranting a more deliberate approach that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of all Canadians. Among the issues being highlighted are the unchecked spread of sexual health misinformation online, disparities in content moderation, and the real-world health impacts stemming from misguided information.
Sexual health misinformation thrives on social media platforms, often generating substantial engagement that benefits those companies financially. Despite other nations moving to mitigate such misinformation—such as restricting social media access for minors—Canada appears to be lagging. Continued use of platforms rife with harmful content undermines efforts to disseminate accurate information, as government announcements are often juxtaposed with misleading narratives.
The issue is exacerbated by biased moderation practices on tech platforms, where content regarding sexual health frequently faces censorship. For instance, information about abortion is often classified as “political content,” subjecting it to stricter guidelines than other healthcare information. In contrast, the same platforms permit the proliferation of AI-generated pornography and non-consensual material, further blurring the lines between education and harmful content.
Research indicates that misinformation can lead to detrimental health outcomes. According to the Canadian Medical Association’s 2025 Health and Media Annual Tracking Survey, 23% of respondents reported that online advice negatively impacted their health. Furthermore, AI tools like ChatGPT have been shown to provide inaccurate answers to sexual health inquiries 36% of the time. This can delay individuals from seeking necessary care, placing additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system.
Amid these challenges, Canadian sexual health centers are facing budget cuts and legislative hurdles that hinder their capacity to provide essential services. Experts are questioning the government’s commitment to funding public healthcare while simultaneously investing in emerging AI technologies, which some refer to as an economic bubble. The prioritization of unproven tech ventures over basic health and education needs raises significant concerns for the future of public health.
Moreover, the intersection of sexual health and national security is becoming increasingly evident. Canada lacks the technological infrastructure needed for a publicly-owned AI health platform, which raises concerns about private and foreign companies controlling Canadians’ health data. Given the hostile stances of some entities towards reproductive rights and gender-affirming care, a thorough evaluation of the risks associated with data access and control is imperative.
Action Canada is calling for decisive action from federal leaders. The organization advocates for the establishment of a comprehensive review to address the threats posed by AI and platform-based misinformation concerning sexual and reproductive health rights. It urges the federal government to allocate resources for a national approach to CSE that aligns with Canadian guidelines, ensuring equitable educational opportunities across all provinces and territories.
Additionally, Action Canada emphasizes the need for sustainable funding for community-based sexual health centers, which are critical partners in various national health initiatives. Reliable funding is essential for these centers to continue delivering CSE, training educators, and providing necessary access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
As the influence of AI on our healthcare systems continues to expand, it is crucial for Canadian leaders to recognize its implications for access to sexual health information and services. The challenge lies not only in mitigating misinformation but also in addressing the systemic needs of our public health infrastructure.
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