E983 - New Zealand Bans Social Media for under-16s (25/08/26)

New Zealand is moving to ban under-16s from social media, with platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook required to take “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages.

Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the proposed Online Safety Bill aims to protect children from harmful content, addictive technology and online pressures affecting their family life, mental health, sleep and education.

But the proposal faces opposition from coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First, while questions remain over whether similar bans —...