The Biometric Identity and AI Accountability Act

I believe it’s important for you to see the full proposal exactly as it would be presented, so there is no confusion about what we are advocating for.
This is the draft framework that I will be refining with legal experts, policymakers, and allies.

Preamble

Whereas technological advances in artificial intelligence pose risks to individual rights, cultural integrity, and environmental sustainability;

Whereas Canadians are entitled to dignity, security, and ownership over their unique biometric identifiers, including voice and likeness;

And whereas human creativity and cultural expression must be safeguarded in a digital economy increasingly shaped by synthetic media;

Part I – Protection of Biometric Identifiers

Definitions
• “Biometric identifier” means physiological or behavioral characteristics used for identification, including but not limited to voice, face, and fingerprints.
• “AI-generated media” means synthetic content produced in whole or in part by artificial intelligence systems without human creative authorship.
Rights in Biometric Identifiers
• Recognition of biometric identifiers (voice, face, likeness) as protected personal property under federal law.
• Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of biometric identifiers without consent constitutes infringement.
Consent & Licensing
• Establishment of a voluntary Vocal Fingerprint Registry overseen by a designated nonprofit (SOBIR).
• Individuals may grant, deny, or revoke permission for use of their biometric identifiers in commercial or non-commercial contexts.
• Consent must be explicit, informed, and revocable.

Part II – AI-Generated Media Accountability

AI Media Tax
• Imposition of a levy on AI-generated media output (voice, video, images, text) distributed commercially in Canada.
• Tax tiered by volume and environmental footprint (energy and water consumption).
Use of Revenues
• Support for Canadian creators (grants, royalties, workforce protections).
• Investment in green computing infrastructure.
• Development of AI watermarking, detection, and public education initiatives.

Part III – Offences & Remedies

Civil Liability
• Victims of biometric identity misuse entitled to damages, injunctions, and takedowns.
Criminal Offence
• Knowingly creating or distributing AI-generated impersonations without consent punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Part IV – Implementation & Oversight

Administration
• Oversight by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and coordination with provincial regulators.
• Independent nonprofit body (SOBIR) recognized as registry and licensing agent.
Review
• Mandatory parliamentary review of this Act every 3 years.

Next Steps

This is a draft, it needs refinement for sure but it’s a start. 

I have begun outreach to MPs and policy advisors,  and I’ll continue refining this draft with feedback from experts and supporters.

With your help, we can build momentum to see protections like this become law.

Please continue sharing this petition,

every signature strengthens the case that Canadians want real protections for our biometric identities.

Thank you so much.  
— Amanda Silvera