New Zealand PM proposes ban on social media for under-16s

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed legislation that would prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. Luxon cited concerns that young people are exposed to harmful content, addictive technology, and pressures they are not equipped to handle.

The proposed law would mandate platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook to implement "reasonable measures" for age verification. These measures could include checking account data, facial age assessment, or using digital and official identification documents. However, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, online games like Roblox, and productivity-focused AI applications like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot would be exempt.

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young people are exposed to harmful content, addictive technology, and pressures they are not prepared to handle.

Despite the prime minister's push, the bill's passage is uncertain. Two of the three parties in the ruling coalition have announced their intention to vote against it, meaning passage would depend on opposition parties, who have yet to declare their stance. Luxon acknowledged that there is insufficient time for parliament to vote on the proposal before it dissolves on October 1, ahead of the November general election.

If re-elected, Luxon intends to make New Zealand one of the countries with age restrictions for social media use. The government is reportedly looking to Australia, which enacted a similar ban for those under 16 in December 2025, as a model. Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have also introduced similar prohibitions, with other nations considering them.

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reasonable measures