New Zealand proposes social media ban for under-16s

The government is set to follow Australia's lead and introduce a bill banning children from social media. But the plan already faces opposition from within the ruling coalition.

New Zealand's government is set to introduce legislation Monday banning children under the age of 16 from social media, following the lead of several countries across the world, including neighbor Australia. 

What does New Zealand's social media ban entail?

The Online Safety Bill would require platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook to verify users are 16 or older using tools such as facial age estimation and digital ID, with fines of up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the harm to children is too great to ignore. 

"We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children," he said, citing effects on mental health, sleep and education. Education Minister Erica Stanford said penalties would apply only to platforms, not families.

When will the bill be introduced?

The bill's future is uncertain, as coalition partners NZ First and ACT have both voiced opposition, questioning the law's effectiveness. Australia's similar ban took effect last year, though a June study found little evidence it reduced teen social media use, AFP reported.

Edited by: Rob Turner

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