Barring minors from online platforms: A new proposed bill in New Zealand
Online networks use by individuals under the age of 16 in New Zealand will be prohibited under new regulations. - Online restriction for underage users: New Zealand plans to prohibit online platforms for individuals under 16 years old.
Worry over the impact of social media on young minds has led Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to introduce a bill that could change the landscape of online networks, such as Instagram and TikTok, in New Zealand. This groundbreaking bill proposes ensuring users are at least 16 years old, with penalties of up to NZ$1.8 million (approximately US$1.1 million) for non-compliant platforms [3][4].
The bill is supported by National Party MP, Catherine Wedd, who has introduced a member's bill aimed at achieving this goal [1][5]. This move mirrors the landmark laws passed in Australia in November, making it the first country to set a 16-year age limit for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat [1][4].
Luxon expressed concern about parents' struggles with controlling their children's social media access and pointed out the growing anxiety they face around the effects of these platforms [1]. The coalition government, in which Luxon's party holds the majority, will need the support of the two other coalition partners to pass the law [4].
The legislation targets major social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook that are frequently used by young people, and have faced scrutiny over their influence on children's mental health [1][4][5]. Platforms must implement age verification measures to comply with the proposed law.
Although the exact timeline for introducing the bill to parliament has yet to be announced, Luxon expressed confidence in gaining broad support from both political chambers [1][4]. Similar regulations were already implemented in New Zealand schools last year, banning the use of mobile phones in school to tackle declining literacy rates [1].
These proposals mark an effort to mitigate the harmful effects of online networks on vulnerable young users and put responsibility on digital platforms to safeguard children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to disturbing content [1].
- The Commission may enforce penalties of up to NZ$1.8 million for online networks that refuse to comply with the age limit, as proposed by the bill introduced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
- The National Party MP, Catherine Wedd, has joined forces with Luxon and supports a member's bill aimed at prohibiting young people under 16 from using platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok.
- This new policy and legislation in New Zealand follows the lead of Australia, which was the first country to set a 16-year age limit for popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Luxon's concerns over parents' struggles with controlling their children's access to social media and the negative effects of technology on young people have fueled the proposal to enact stricter age restrictions.
- In the catch-up to Australia, the general news has been filled with discussions about the implications of the proposed bill, its impact on entertainment, politics, and policy-and-legislation, and the potential consequences for non-compliant platforms.
- The legislation targets not only supervisory school policies but seeks to address the broader issue of children's online safety, with a focus on preventing cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to disturbing content.
