New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban
The government faces opposition to its proposals from MPs who believe a ban will not work.
New Zealand is set to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The proposed bill mandates that platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, implement measures to verify users are at least 16 years old. Non-compliant platforms could face penalties up to 10% of their global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that social media exposes children to "harmful content, addictive technology, and pressures they are not equipped to deal with." However, several political parties have indicated they will vote against the bill.
This initiative mirrors a similar ban in Australia, while the UK and Greece are planning to introduce their own restrictions next year. Luxon emphasized that social media negatively impacts children's family life, mental health, sleep, and education. "We have protections to keep children safe in the real world and we need them in the virtual world too," he remarked.
The New Zealand government has not yet specified which other "high risk" platforms might be affected. A statement confirmed that the Online Safety Bill, to be presented to parliament on Monday, will require social media companies to "take reasonable steps" to confirm users are over 16. This includes utilizing existing account information, facial age estimation, and digital identity checks.
Platforms frequently used by children will also be obligated to regularly assess the risks they pose and report on how these risks are being identified and mitigated. No penalties are proposed for children, parents, or caregivers who breach the ban. However, fines for social media companies could significantly exceed those in Australia, where the maximum penalty is $99 million (£51.7 million).
The bill's passage is uncertain, as both the Act and New Zealand First (NZF) parties, which are coalition partners in the government, have declared their opposition. David Seymour, New Zealand's deputy prime minister and leader of Act, believes the ban will be ineffective. Foreign affairs minister Winston Peters, who leads the NZF party, expressed concerns about the proposed legislation, stating, "We have been concerned with the proposed legislation and the direction and slippery slope that legislation like this will inevitably take our country." Peters also labeled Australia's ban, introduced in December, a "colossal failure."
Australia's ban has proven challenging to enforce, with widespread acknowledgment that many children under 16 have still managed to access and use the restricted apps. Earlier this month, France's highest court rejected a similar proposed social media ban, citing concerns about freedom of expression.