In a significant move to enhance online safety for minors, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed legislation to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The draft law mandates social media companies to verify users’ ages, imposing fines of up to NZ$2 million (approximately US$1.2 million) for non-compliance.
Addressing Online Harms
Prime Minister Luxon emphasized the necessity of the ban, stating, “This is about protecting our children. It’s about making sure social media companies are playing their role in keeping our kids safe.” He highlighted concerns raised by parents and educators regarding cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and social media addiction among young users.
National Party MP Catherine Wedd, who introduced the member’s bill, noted the absence of legally enforceable age verification measures in New Zealand. She asserted that the bill aims to support families in overseeing their children’s online activities and to hold social media companies accountable for safeguarding young users.
Political Landscape and Legislative Path
The proposed legislation, modeled after Australia’s recent social media restrictions for under-16s, requires support from New Zealand’s three-party governing coalition to pass. While the National Party backs the bill, coalition partner ACT has expressed reservations. ACT leader David Seymour criticized the proposal as “hastily-drafted” and advocated for a comprehensive public inquiry involving parents, educators, and social media companies to develop a more effective solution.
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins of the Labour Party indicated openness to the discussion, emphasizing the need for a national conversation on the issue. He acknowledged the challenges in implementing such a ban and stressed the importance of considering the broader implications for children’s online experiences.
Global Context and Industry Response
New Zealand’s initiative aligns with a growing global trend to regulate minors’ access to social media. Australia’s legislation, passed in November 2024, imposes strict age verification requirements on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. However, it has faced criticism from tech companies, which argue that the laws are vague and challenging to enforce.
As New Zealand considers similar measures, the effectiveness and enforceability of such bans remain subjects of debate. The proposed law’s success will depend on the government’s ability to navigate political dynamics and address concerns from various stakeholders, including industry players and civil society groups.
