New Zealand is set to introduce legislation that would prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The proposed bill mandates that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook implement measures to verify users are over 16. Failure to comply could result in fines reaching up to 10% of a platform's global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that social media exposes children to "harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with." He emphasized the need for protections in the virtual world mirroring those in the physical world, citing concerns about the impact on children's family life, mental health, sleep, and education.
The government has not yet specified which other "high-risk" platforms might be affected by the proposed regulations. This initiative follows a similar ban implemented in Australia, with the United Kingdom and Greece planning to introduce restrictions next year. However, the bill faces opposition from some Members of Parliament who doubt its effectiveness.