The new federal Democrats did not clarify how they intend to vote on a bill aimed at preventing minors from accessing explicit sexual materials online, while conservatives say they are ready to work on amendments to the controversial legislation.

The legislation requires sites like Pornhub to verify the age of their users, but privacy experts warn that its language is far too vague and risks violating the freedom of expression and privacy of Canadians.

The Liberal government opposes the bill introduced by the private member, but the New Democratic Party, the Bloc Québécois, and the Conservatives voted in favor of sending it to a House of Commons committee for study.

Ultimately, the committee heard from only three witnesses, including the senator who proposed the bill and the federal privacy commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, who recommended narrowing the scope of the bill.

This was due to the stalling by the Conservatives, according to the New Democratic Party's public safety critic, Alistair MacGregor.

Frank Caputo, the Conservatives' public safety critic, stated in a statement that Conservative MPs simply wanted to finish their work on another file regarding the transfer of serial killer Paul Bernardo to prison.

MacGregor stated in a statement that the Conservatives "used every tool at their disposal to stop a genuine study of this plan," adding that this is "extremely concerning" because it prevented the committee from hearing from more experts.

However, he would not reveal his party's position on the bill.

For it to pass without Liberal support, the New Democratic Party will need to vote in favor of it.

MacGregor stated in a statement: "Canadians deserve to know that when our children go online, they are protected from potential harm. At the same time, the government has a responsibility to protect Canadians' privacy."

The Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, who testified before the committee, warned MPs that it was "very problematic" legislation, saying, "The New Democrats are taking the necessary time to closely consider our options for the best way forward for all Canadians." As written, it could also apply to explicit content on streaming services like Netflix.

The legislation does not specify how websites should verify users' ages, but options include creating a digital identity system or services that can estimate an individual's age based on visual facial scanning.

Earlier this week, Dufresne launched a consultation process on how and when services would be required to verify their users' ages. His office stressed that the technology used to estimate an individual's age "is not accurate."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for saying that a Conservative Party government would implement a similar measure, stating that this would mean Canadians would have to hand over personal information to "unclear websites."

After the leader pledged his support, Poilievre's office clarified that he would not allow the creation of a digital identity system or support moves that could violate Canadians' privacy rights.

Pornhub's owners told the Canadian press that if the law is passed, they would consider blocking access for Canadians, explaining that the company is not prepared to collect personal information from its users.

Instead, they suggest that lawmakers ask device manufacturers like Apple to find a way to keep minors away from content like theirs.

Solomon Friedman, a partner and vice president of compliance at Ethical Capital Partners, which owns Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, said in a recent interview that they requested to appear before the parliamentary committee studying the bill.

He explained, "By not holding substantive hearings, Canadians are being shortchanged, and important decisions about their internet access are being made without full public involvement."

The bill was authored by independent Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne and was sponsored by Conservative MP Karen Vecchio in the House of Commons.

Vecchio's office says it expects the bill to return to the House of Commons this fall.

Federal Justice Minister Arif Virani stated that the government's internet harms legislation aims for the same goal of protecting children but in a way that is less harmful to Canadians' privacy.

However, Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, who was involved in the committee study, continues to promote the legislation as a means to better protect Canadian children. He has raised this issue in town halls with members of Islamic and other cultural communities across Toronto and Vancouver.

Caputo stated in his release on Friday that the bill "was extensively studied" when it was presented to the Senate.

He said that the Conservatives "are now ready to work with the New Democratic Party and other parties to introduce reasonable amendments at the report stage to strengthen the bill before its passage."