New Zealand lawmaker proposes social media ban for under-16s

A New Zealand lawmaker is pushing for legislation that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media. It is aligning the country with Australia’s recent regulatory moves on digital platforms. National Party MP Catherine Wedd has introduced a member’s bill that would require social media companies to verify users’ ages and prevent minors from creating accounts.

Under the proposed law, platforms could face financial penalties for non-compliance and would be required to take “all



reasonable steps” to ensure users are at least 16 years old. The bill has received backing from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who has expressed willingness to adopt it as a government bill, which would accelerate its passage through parliament.

Australia made headlines in November 2024 when it became the first country in the world to pass legislation banning children under 16 from using social media, following the bill’s approval in the Senate.