New Zealand to introduce bill banning social media for children under 16; coalition partners call it ‘slippery slope’

New Zealand plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The proposed bill would impose fines of up to 10% of a platform's global revenue for non-compliance, requiring social media companies to verify users' ages using existing account information, facial technology, and digital identity documents.

Luxon emphasized the negative impact social media has on children's mental health, education, and family life. However, there is uncertainty about whether the bill will secure enough support in Parliament, as New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters voiced concerns, labeling the proposed legislation as a "slippery slope" that could have unintended consequences.

Australia has already implemented a ban on social media for children under 16, and other countries like Britain, China, Denmark, France, and Germany have announced similar restrictions.