Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, May 15, 2025

New Zealand Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s Modelled on Australian Legislation

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's draft laws require age verification for social media users to protect children from online dangers.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a legislative measure to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, a move reflecting increasing global concerns about the safety and well-being of minors online.

The proposal draws parallels with similar legislation passed in Australia, which imposes strict age verification requirements on social media companies.

The draft laws introduced by Luxon mandate that social media companies must verify that their users are at least 16 years of age, failing which they could face fines reaching up to NZ$2 million (approximately $1.85 million).

Luxon emphasized the need for these measures as a safeguard against the various risks associated with social media, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation.

In a statement to the press, Luxon highlighted the necessity of holding social media platforms accountable for the safety of vulnerable children.

He noted, "It's time that New Zealand acknowledged that, for all the good things that come from social media, it's not always a safe place for our young people to be."

The government is currently working on details regarding the timeline for introducing this legislation to Parliament, with Luxon expressing optimism about securing bipartisan support.

The draft legislation has been prepared by the National Party, which is the largest member of the current three-party governing coalition in New Zealand.

Attaining the backing of the coalition's smaller partners will be integral for the bill's passage.

Catherine Wedd, a member of the National Party who played a significant role in drafting the bill, voiced a shared concern among parents regarding their children's engagement with social media.

"As a mother of four children, I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their children's online exposure," Wedd stated.

The proposed legislation currently does not clarify which specific social media platforms would be affected.

However, it is noted that YouTube may be exempt to allow children to access the site for educational purposes.

Last year, New Zealand had already restricted mobile phone usage for children during school hours in an effort to combat declining literacy rates.

The initiative has faced criticism from major tech companies, which have labeled the proposals as 'rushed', 'vague', and 'problematic'.

Australia's stringent legislation, which serves as a reference point for New Zealand's proposed ban, is set to be implemented by December 2023.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
South Africans chant call to genocide against White people.
Trump takes a blow torch to the neocons and interventionists while speaking to the Saudis
US and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Agreements Across Multiple Sectors
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Flip flop: UK Introduces New Immigration Policy to Reduce Net Migration
Elon Musk Joins Trump Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Poland Tightens Immigration Policy with New Plan to Suspend Asylum Law
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
Nissan Plans to Cut Over 10,000 Additional Jobs Worldwide
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
Michael Jordan to Serve as Analyst for NBA Games
New Details Emerge on Syrian Attacker's Motives in German Festival Stabbing
US and China Agree to Reduce Tariffs by 115% in Bilateral Trade Deal
Trump Defends Qatar's Offer of Jumbo Jet Amid Controversy
Brazil’s President Aims to Strengthen Ties with China Amid US Trade Tensions
Senate Democrats Move to Censure Trump Over Qatar Jet Gift
First White South Africans Resettled in the U.S. Amid Controversy Over Persecution Claims
Hamas Releases Last Living US Hostage from Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
British National Sentenced to Ten Years in Saudi Arabia for Deleted Tweet
India and Pakistan Agreement on Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Trump's Upcoming Middle East Trip Excludes Israel, Raising Concerns Among Israeli Officials
Kurdistan Workers Party Announces Dissolution Amid Ongoing Conflict Resolution Efforts
Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkiye
Arsenal Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 Against Liverpool in Premier League Clash
Transnational Crime Rings Exploit Stolen Identities to Drain Billions from U.S. Taxpayer Funds
U.S. and China Reach Preliminary Trade Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions
US Withdraws Tourist Visas from Baja California Governor and Spouse
Trump's Upcoming Visit to Gulf Nations: Investment and Security at the Forefront
Rodrigo Duterte Awaits Trial at The Hague. Next week he might be elected mayor of his hometown
Trump fires director of U.S. Copyright Office, sources say
Trump says U.S. and China negotiated "total reset" in tariff talks
×