The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that the Online Harms Act proposed by the Liberal party is a single bill that encompasses two different frameworks which have been unwisely conjoined. A Globe editorial says the first part, which is named Online Harms Act, aims to limit cyberbullying and revenge porn by creating a framework that includes statutory responsibilities for social media platforms. Then there is another part of the bill, which ramps up criminal sanctions on hate speech, most notably on advocating or promoting genocide. The Globe calls it a step in the right direction, but says it still has flaws. However, what the Liberals have proposed is sensible, in that it will protect minors and discourage the most venal on-line actors, while avoiding intrusive measures such as digital IDs. One aspect of the bill increases penalties for hate speech, which is already an offence under the Criminal Code and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. The proposed bill increases the maximum sentence to life. There may be a balance to be struck between toughening sanctions against hate speech while protecting freedom of expression and due process. The Liberals have not found that balance.