New Zealand’s Prime Minister Proposes Ban on Social Media for Under-16s

In a bold move that echoes recent legislative actions across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has put forth a proposal to prohibit access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16. This announcement, made on Tuesday 6th May, comes just months after Australia enacted some of the most stringent restrictions on social media usage globally, aimed at safeguarding the welfare of children.

Stringent Measures and Potential Penalties
The proposed legislation, which is set to be presented to Luxon’s coalition partners, mandates that major platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram implement measures to prevent under-16s from accessing their services.

Should these platforms fail to comply, they could face hefty fines of up to approximately one million euros.

Drawing inspiration from the Australian law passed by Parliament in November, which is expected to come into effect by the end of this year, Luxon’s proposal reflects a growing commitment to child protection in the digital age.

Criticism from Social Media Giants
However, the Australian legislation has faced fierce criticism from social media giants, who warn that such restrictions may inadvertently drive children and young adolescents towards more perilous alternative platforms.

This backlash is highlighting the ongoing tension between regulatory efforts and the interests of major tech companies.

A Call for Parental Support
“This is about protecting our children. It is imperative that social media companies fulfil their responsibility to ensure the safety of our youth,” asserted Luxon, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

He further noted, “Parents are consistently expressing their deep concerns regarding the impact of social media on their children.

They are struggling to manage their access to these platforms.”

While Luxon has yet to specify when this pivotal bill will be introduced to the New Zealand Parliament, it has been crafted by his political party, the centre-right National Party of New Zealand.

For the legislation to be enacted, it will require the backing of the other two parties within the ruling coalition.

As the debate unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how New Zealand navigates this critical juncture in the realm of digital safety for its youngest citizens.

Source: Defi Media