Social media ban: Department of Internal Affairs says it never provided advice on options to restrict Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

The primary government agency responsible for policy related to restricting social media use has clarified that it has not offered any advice regarding options for regulating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Furthermore, the Department of Internal Affairs confirmed that it has not received any requests to provide such guidance.

This statement emerges as the government is understood to be on the verge of releasing details about its proposed age-based restrictions on social media platforms. The agency's clarification addresses potential concerns about the scope of government control over internet access and privacy tools.

Education Minister Erica Stanford is expected to imminently share information concerning the government's plans for social media restrictions. The agency's stance on VPNs suggests that current policy discussions are focused on direct platform usage rather than the circumvention tools that VPNs provide.