#BREAKING: We’re taking action to protect young people online, backing parents and holding big tech accountable. pic.twitter.com/z3hxQqhePL
— NZ National Party (@NZNationalParty) August 24, 2026
We’re taking action to protect young people online, backing parents and holding big tech accountable. pic.twitter.com/PEZC8EyjFp
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) August 24, 2026
New Zealand Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
A proposed bill would require platforms to verify user' ages or face fines of up to 10 percent of global revenue. pic.twitter.com/i2X2kzEywH
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) August 24, 2026
New Zealand is to introduce a bill seeking to ban under-16s from using social media.
Under the latest proposals, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, will have to take steps to check users are over 16 and platforms that fail to meet their obligations could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media was exposing children to “harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with”. But several political parties have said they will vote against the bill.
The move follows a similar ban in Australia, while countries including the UK and Greece are set to introduce restrictions next year.
Luxon said social media was affecting children’s family life, mental health, sleep and education.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj068q7qj19o