New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban
New Zealand is introducing legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, citing concerns over mental health and harmful content. The bill would impose significant fines on platforms that fail to verify user ages.
Why it matters
This move reflects a growing global trend of governments attempting to regulate social media usage among minors to mitigate digital safety risks.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The proposed ban would apply to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok
New Zealand is to introduce a bill seeking to ban under-16s from using social media.
Under the latest proposals, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, will have to take steps to check users are over 16 and platforms that fail to meet their obligations could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media was exposing children to "harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with". But several political parties have said they will vote against the bill.
The move follows a similar ban in Australia, while countries including the UK and Greece are set to introduce restrictions next year.
Luxon said social media was affecting children's family life, mental health, sleep and education.
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