New Zealand’s government introduced legislation designed to prohibit users under age 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The proposed Online Safety Bill directs platforms to implement verification measures such as existing account information, facial age estimation technology and digital identity checks to ensure compliance.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon framed the initiative as necessary child protection in digital spaces, arguing that social media exposes young users to harmful material, addictive features and psychological pressures beyond their developmental capacity. The government identified concerns regarding impacts on family relationships, mental health, sleep patterns and educational outcomes. Companies found in violation would face financial penalties reaching 10% of their worldwide revenue, substantially higher than comparable penalties in other jurisdictions.
The bill’s passage faces significant political obstacles despite government backing. Two coalition partners—the Act Party led by Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and New Zealand First led by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters—announced plans to vote against the measure. Seymour questioned the policy’s practical effectiveness, while Peters expressed concerns about precedent and government overreach, characterizing similar enforcement efforts elsewhere as unsuccessful.
The proposal aligns with regulatory efforts in other nations. Australia implemented a comparable ban, though enforcement challenges have emerged with many minors reportedly maintaining access to restricted applications. The United Kingdom and Greece indicated plans to introduce comparable restrictions. Conversely, France’s constitutional court recently invalidated a proposed social media ban, determining that such restrictions violated freedom of expression principles. The government indicated it has not yet specified which additional platforms classified as high-risk would face comparable restrictions under the legislation.
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