New Zealand’s governing National party is proposing a legislative ban on social media access for users under 16, inspired by Australia’s recent law, which has been heralded as a groundbreaking initiative. Prime Minister Chris Luxon announced that the party will support a private member’s bill aimed at requiring social media companies to verify a user’s age above 16 before granting access to certain platforms.
The bill, introduced by backbench MP Catherine Wedd, does not specify exactly which platforms are included, yet it provides for penalties of up to $NZ2 million (approximately $A1.8 million) for companies that fail to comply. Wedd has expressed her strong belief in the need to better support families in managing their children’s online activities, stating, “As a mother of four children, I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their children’s online exposure.”
While Australia’s law successfully gained bipartisan support, it remains uncertain whether the National party can secure enough backing from other political factions in New Zealand, including the opposition Labour party, which is open to discussing the proposal. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has indicated that it is an important debate to have. The support from National’s coalition partners is mixed, with NZ First showing a willingness to consider the proposal, while the libertarian ACT party has stated it opposes the legislation. ACT leader David Seymour has raised concerns about the practicality of such bans, suggesting that the approach may be overly simplistic.
The discussion surrounding this legislation in New Zealand mirrors ongoing conversations in other countries, like Fiji, where officials are also evaluating similar measures inspired by Australia’s new law. Fiji’s interest highlights a broader trend of governmental efforts worldwide to protect children in the digital age, acknowledging the profound impact social media can have on youth.
This proactive stance from New Zealand appears to reflect a growing global recognition of the importance of safeguarding children in digital spaces, promoting a collaborative approach among governments, parents, and technology companies. By participating in this regulatory landscape, New Zealand has the potential to foster a safer online environment for young people, contributing to their overall well-being in an increasingly digital world.
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