New Zealand to consider banning children under 16 from social media
Summary
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a law that would ban children under 16 from using social media. The law would require companies to check users’ ages and could fine platforms up to 10% of their global revenue if they don’t follow the rules.Key Facts
- The proposed law aims to protect children under 16 from harmful social media content and its effects on mental health and education.
- Social media platforms would need to verify users’ ages using tools like facial recognition and digital ID documents.
- Fines for companies not complying could be as high as 10% of their global revenue.
- Luxon acknowledges that not all children will be stopped, but he believes it is important to try.
- New Zealand First, a coalition partner, opposes the bill, citing concerns about government overreach and responsibility of parents.
- Australia recently banned social media use for children under 16 but its law has faced criticism for being ineffective.
- Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, called Australia’s approach a failure and said social media responsibility lies with parents.
- The bill’s support and chances to pass in parliament remain uncertain.
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