New Zealand Proposes Under-16 Social Media Ban With 10% Global Revenue Fines
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
New Zealand Proposes Under-16 Social Media Ban With 10% Global Revenue Fines
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
Summary
Christopher Luxon said his party will introduce a bill barring children under 16 from social media and fining platforms up to 10% of global revenue if they fail to comply.
The proposal would force platforms to take reasonable age-verification steps using existing account data, facial technology and digital identity documents.
Luxon said the move targets harmful content, addictive design and social pressures he blames for damaging children's mental health, sleep, education and family life.
Parliamentary passage is uncertain because coalition partner New Zealand First opposes the bill, with Winston Peters calling Australia's similar under-16 ban a "colossal failure" and saying parents should handle the issue.
Australia became the first country to enact an under-16 social media ban in December, giving New Zealand a nearby model as Luxon acknowledges some children would still evade restrictions.