New Zealand Advances Social Media Age Restrictions
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced plans to advance a proposal banning social media access for users under 16, framing it as a national priority. The initiative, led by Education Minister Erica Stanford, aims to shield minors from cyberbullying, harmful content, and addiction by legally enforcing age verification on platforms.
Legislative Framework and Penalties
Inspired by Australia’s recent legislation—the first of its kind globally—the bill would allow the government to designate age-restricted platforms. Non-compliant companies could face fines and must take “all reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages. A formal review of the law’s impact is proposed three years post-implementation.
Bipartisan Push for Youth Protection
MP Catherine Wedd, who drafted the bill, emphasized its focus on safeguarding teenagers in a “nationally unified” effort. Luxon echoed this, stating the issue transcends politics and requires cross-party collaboration. Schools and parents have broadly supported stricter regulations, citing concerns over mental health and academic performance.
