New Zealand proposes ban on social media for users under 16
New Zealand’s government is preparing a bill that would prohibit users younger than 16 years old from accessing social‑media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The measure would require firms to verify age through existing account data, facial‑age estimation or digital‑identity checks, and could incur fines of up to 10 % of global revenue if they do not comply.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has warned that online content exposes children to “harm‑ful material, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with”. He argues that protection needed in the real world must also apply to the virtual realm.
The proposal follows similar legislation in Australia and could be part of a wider trend as the UK and Greece plan restrictions next year. Indigenous communities, who maintain strong oral histories and community‑based digital practices, have expressed concerns about how youth access to global platforms may erode cultural knowledge and exacerbate mental‑health challenges.
However, the bill faces backlash from opposition parties including Act and New Zealand First, who label it an overreach. Key lawmakers such as Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters argue that banning “under‑16s” is ineffective and could create a slippery slope. An Australian review has shown that similar bans have only partially restricted access, with many children still obtaining prohibited apps.
If passed, the legislation would require platforms to continuously assess risk and report on mitigation strategies. The clause would also exempt private apps not listed on the platform registry unless they are deemed high‑risk; the government has yet to clarify which other services would be covered.
The bill will be debated in Parliament on Monday. The outcome will signal how New Zealand balances digital safety with freedom of expression in a society that values both cultural heritage and modern connectivity.
