New Zealand moves to ban social media for under-16s

New Zealand's government has introduced legislation to ban social media use for people under 16, citing concerns over mental health and exposure to harmful content. The proposed law, known as the Online Safety Bill, would require social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook to verify users' ages using tools such as facial age estimation and digital ID.

According to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, one in three children aged 13-17 spend at least five hours a day on social media, which he says is affecting their family life, mental health, sleep, and education. The bill would impose fines of up to 10% of global revenue on companies that fail to comply.

The legislation has already faced opposition from within the ruling coalition, with some questioning its effectiveness. Australia implemented a similar ban last year, but a study found little evidence it reduced teen social media use. Education Minister Erica Stanford has stated that penalties would only apply to platforms, not families.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, IOL, The Korea Times, DW News, DW English (Top Stories) — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.