New Zealand Drafts Bill to Ban Under‑16s from Social Media
In a move that could redefine youth internet use, New Zealand’s government has unveiled a proposal to outlaw the use of mainstream social media by anyone under the age of 16. The bill would cover platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, requiring them to take “reasonable steps” to confirm users are older than 16. Non‑compliance could lead to fines amounting to up to 10% of a platform’s global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described online content as “harmful” and a source of “addictive technology” that negatively affects family life, sleep, education and mental health. He argues that, just as physical safety laws exist for children in the real world, virtual safeguards are necessary.
Although the bill echoes Australia’s 2023 ban, it offers stricter penalties. In Australia, the maximum penalty was $99 million (about £51.7 million). New Zealand’s proposed fines could reach ten times that amount.
The legislation has already attracted opposition from coalition partners. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour, leader of the Acts Party, called the ban ineffective, while foreign affairs minister Winston Peters of the New Zealand First party warned of a “slippery slope” and cited Australia’s struggle to enforce similar restrictions. France’s recent court decision struck down a comparable ban on the grounds of freedom of expression adds international precedent.
If passed, the law will take effect early next year, prompting parents to seek alternative engagement strategies for teens. The debate will revolve around balancing child protection with digital freedom and the practicality of monitoring age in the fast‑moving online landscape.
