New Zealand Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s
New Zealand Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand has introduced proposed legislation which would prevent children under the age of 16 from using the major social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
According to the proposal, the platforms would be required to check users' ages by means such as using account details, estimating age from a face, or employing digital identification. Companies that do not comply might be subject to fines amounting to as much as 10% of their global revenue.
The bill also aims to set up an online safety regulator and to ask online platforms to assess and minimise the risks to young users. The government states that the purpose of this action is to protect children from harmful content, addictive technology and the adverse effects on their mental health, sleep, education and family life.
The measure is at present only a proposal, not an enacted ban, and it is said to have neither the necessary support in parliament nor the required backing to become law. It also proposes no penalties for children, parents or caregivers.
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