New Zealand Considers 16‑Year‑Old Social‑Media Ban

Social media apps on a smartphone

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a bill that would make it illegal for children under 16 to use social‑media services such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The government says the move is driven by concerns that online content "exposes kids to harmful material, addictive tech and pressures they can’t cope with."

Under the proposal, platforms must prove that every user is over 16. The bill requires checks using existing account data, facial age‑estimation algorithms or digital identity verification. Companies that fail to comply could face a fine of up to 10 % of their global revenue – higher than Australia’s $99 m fine.

In addition to age verification, platforms that are heavily used by children must regularly assess the risks they pose and report on the steps taken to reduce those risks. The bill does not impose penalties on parents or children for breaching the ban, but expects the industry to adopt tighter safeguards.

The legislation faces significant political backlash. The NZ First party and the Act party – both coalition partners in the governing coalition – have said they would vote against the bill, citing concerns about feasibility and the "slippery slope" of increasing state control. Speakers such as Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour have described the ban as "unworkable", while Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters called the Australian ban a "colossal failure" that would not prevent minors from accessing platforms.

New Zealand is not the only country debating similar measures. Australia introduced a ban in December that has proven difficult to enforce, and the UK and Greece are slated to introduce restrictions next year. France’s courts previously struck down a comparable ban on fears it infringed freedom of expression.

The bill was introduced in parliament on Monday and is expected to shape policy debate for the coming months. Analysts say any rule will have to find a balance between protecting children and upholding the principles of an open, digital society.