Key facts
- New Zealand proposes banning social media for individuals under 16.
- Platforms could face fines up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance.
- The proposed legislation requires social media platforms to verify users' ages.
- Australia was the first country to ban social media for under-16s.
- Several other countries, including Britain, Denmark, and Spain, are implementing or considering similar bans.
New Zealand is proposing to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16, joining a growing global trend of countries seeking to curb children's exposure to online platforms. The proposed legislation would require social media companies to implement age verification measures, with non-compliant platforms facing fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Australia was the first country to enact such a ban in December 2025, blocking minors under 16 from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Other nations are following suit with varying approaches. Britain plans a ban by Christmas, aiming for a Spring 2027 effective date, and is also considering legislation to detect and block nude images shared by children. China has implemented a 'minor mode' with screen time restrictions based on age.
Denmark intends to ban social media for children under 15, allowing parental consent for ages 13. France's top court, however, blocked a similar bill for under-15s, citing freedom of expression. Germany permits social media use for 13-16 year olds with parental consent, though advocates deem controls insufficient. Greece is nearing an announcement for a ban on under-15s, while India's chief economic adviser has labeled social media as 'predatory.' Italy requires parental consent for users under 14, and Malaysia has begun barring under-16s from registering accounts.
Norway proposed raising the age for social media consent to 15, with an absolute minimum age limit of 15 under consideration. Poland is preparing legislation for a ban on under-15s, and Slovenia is drafting a similar law. Spain will proceed with rules to enhance online safety, including a ban for minors under 16. Sweden recommended a minimum age of 15, and Turkey passed legislation banning social media for under-15s. The United Arab Emirates approved a resolution setting the minimum age at 15, becoming the first Arab country to do so.
In the United States, legislation aimed at protecting children online has gained support, separate from the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Several states have enacted parental consent laws, though they face legal challenges. The European Union is also pursuing stronger protections, with plans for a 'Digital Fairness Act' and a resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on access for children under 16 without parental consent, and an outright ban for those under 13. Major social media platforms currently require users to be at least 13.