New Zealand Introduces Bill to Ban Under-16s from Social Media

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced plans to introduce a bill that would ban under-16s from using social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, in an effort to protect children from the potential harm of these platforms.

The proposed ban is part of a broader move

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

New Zealand's move follows similar bans in Australia and other countries, including the UK and Greece, which are set to introduce restrictions on social media use for under-16s next year. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Australia introduced a ban on under-16s using social media platforms in December last year, but it has been difficult to enforce due to the widespread availability of banned apps.

The bill requires social media companies to take reasonable steps to check users are over 16 years old, with fines for non-compliant companies reaching up to 10% of their global revenue.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

No penalties are proposed for children, parents or caregivers who breach the ban, but this has been criticized

Both the Act and New Zealand First parties, which are coalition partners in the government, have announced they will oppose the bill, citing concerns about its effectiveness.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has described the ban as a "colossal failure", pointing to Australia's difficulties in enforcing its own ban.

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A similar proposed social media ban in France was struck down

The US has seen several high-profile cases involving children accessing banned apps on social media platforms, highlighting the need for greater regulation.

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The proposed ban would apply to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok New Zealand is to introduce a bill seeking to ban under-16s from using social media.

Under the latest proposals, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, will have to take steps to check users are over 16 and platforms that fail to meet their obligations could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated social media was exposing children to "harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with". But several political parties have stated they will vote against the bill.