Key facts
- New Zealand plans to ban social media for individuals under 16.
- Platforms failing to verify ages could face fines up to 10% of global revenue.
- The proposed Online Safety Bill aims to protect children from harmful content and addictive technology.
- Coalition partners New Zealand First and ACT Party oppose the ban.
- Labour, the main opposition party, has declared support for the bill.
New Zealand's government is moving forward with plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, following a significant shift in parliamentary support. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's proposed Online Safety Bill includes substantial penalties for platforms that fail to implement reasonable age verification measures, with potential fines reaching up to 10% of global revenue. The legislation aims to shield young people from harmful online content, addictive technologies, and negative impacts on their mental health, family life, and education.
Initially facing opposition from coalition partners New Zealand First and the ACT Party, the bill's prospects improved dramatically when Labour, the main opposition party, declared its support. Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated that with their backing, there is no reason for the government to delay the bill's passage through its first reading before the upcoming November 7 election.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters had previously voiced concerns, calling similar legislation in Australia a 'colossal failure' and emphasizing parental responsibility. ACT Party leader David Seymour also indicated opposition, suggesting the ban would not be effective. The proposed measures would require platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to use methods such as existing account information, facial age estimation, and digital identity documents to verify users are over 16.