New Zealand Introduces Under-16 Social Media, AI Companion Ban

New Zealand has enacted a law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from using social media platforms and AI companion services. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the necessity of safeguarding children in the digital realm, alongside their protection in the physical world. The Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill mandates a minimum age restriction for platforms harboring potentially hazardous features for adolescents.

Such features encompass recommender systems, endless feeds, feedback mechanisms, and time-restricted functionalities. The legislation also aims to prevent underage users from accessing AI companion services. However, it does not apply to messaging apps, professional networking sites, gaming platforms, music platforms, and other educational and health-oriented tools.

Crucially, age verification through self-declared birth dates and formal identification does not meet the legal obligations of the platforms. Instead, platforms must employ alternative verification methods such as facial scans and analysis of user activity patterns. Additionally, the bill mandates that platforms conduct child safety risk assessments for all users under 18 and shield them from harmful content like bullying, violence, and sexually explicit materials. For further details, refer to the original source.