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Social media ban: National unsure if Act, NZ First will support bill; David Seymour compares bill to ‘dog with fleas’

Social media ban: National unsure if Act, NZ First will support bill; David Seymour compares bill to ‘dog with fleas’

From NZ Herald · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • New Zealand's government is uncertain if the governing coalition partners will support a proposed social media ban bill.
  • Education Minister Erica Stanford is preparing to present the bill to the Cabinet for review.
  • Act Party leader David Seymour has criticized the bill, comparing it to a persistent nuisance.

The future of a proposed social media ban bill in New Zealand remains uncertain as the governing coalition grapples with potential support. Education Minister Erica Stanford is nearing the Cabinet stage with the legislation, but it is unclear if coalition partners Act and New Zealand First will back the bill.

Act Party leader David Seymour has voiced strong opposition to the proposed ban, drawing a colorful comparison to a "dog with fleas." His remarks suggest a significant hurdle for the bill's passage, highlighting potential divisions within the government over the extent of online content regulation.

Stanford's push to bring the bill to Cabinet indicates the government's intent to move forward with the legislation. However, the lack of guaranteed support from key coalition partners raises questions about its ultimate success and the potential for amendments or a complete stall.

dog with fleas

— David SeymourAct Party leader David Seymour's comparison of the bill to a persistent nuisance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NZ Herald. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.