In brief
New Zealand’s government is preparing a bill that will prohibit users under 16 from accessing major social‑media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. Platforms that fail to confirm age will face steep penalties—fines up to 10 % of global revenue. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon cites harmful content and addictive technology as drivers, while opposition from the Act and New Zealand First parties could jeopardise the bill’s passage. The legislation follows Australia’s 2022 ban and arrives just months before the UK and Greece are expected to enact similar restrictions. The bill requires companies to take “reasonable steps” to verify that users are over 16 using existing account data, facial age detection or digital identity checks, and to regularly assess and report on risk. Although no fines are imposed on parents or children, the fines for platforms are significantly higher than Australia’s $99 million cap. Critics question the bill’s enforceability and note France’s recent court ruling against a similar ban on the basis of free expression.
The government is drafting legislation that would bar users under 16 from accessing popular social‑media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. Platforms that do not adhere to the age‑check provisions could face fines of up to 10 % of their global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon warned that social media “exposes children to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with.” He argues that protections already in place for physical safety should be mirrored in the virtual realm. However, both the Act and New Zealand First parties—key coalition partners—have announced they will oppose the bill, raising doubts about its prospects in parliament.
The proposal follows Australia’s 2022 ban on under‑16s, but that regulation proved difficult to enforce, with many children still able to access banned apps. Similar restrictions are also expected from the UK and Greece next year. France’s top court also blocked a comparable ban, citing freedom of expression concerns, a judgment that New Zealand lawmakers are keen to avoid.
Under the forthcoming Online Safety Bill, social‑media companies must take "reasonable steps" to verify that users are over 16, using methods like existing account details, facial age estimation, or digital identity checks. The law also obliges regularly used platforms to assess the risks they pose and report on risk‑mitigation measures. No penalties are outlined for children, parents or caregivers, only for the platforms themselves.
Fines for non‑compliance could be substantially higher than Australia’s cap of $99 million (≈ £51.7 million), potentially turning the bill into a costly venture for giants such as TikTok and Meta.
While the bill aims to enhance online safety for young users, its enforcement challenges and political opposition underscore the complexity of regulating digital behaviour among minors. The legislative debate will unfold in the coming weeks as parliament deliberates on the proposed ban.
