Overview

• MP Catherine Wedd introduced a private member’s bill to ban social media access for under-16s, requiring platforms to verify users' ages.
• The bill includes fines of up to NZ$2 million for social media companies that fail to enforce age restrictions effectively.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the need for virtual safety measures akin to physical world protections.
• The legislation is modeled on Australia’s recent law banning social media for under-16s, reflecting a growing global push for online youth safety.
• Currently awaiting selection from the member’s bill ballot, the proposal lacks a formal timetable for parliamentary debate.