New Zealand kind-of moves to ban social media for under-16s, require age checks for new accounts
The New Zealand government is considering a bill aimed at banning social media access for children under 16. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon voices support for this initiative, it is introduced as a member’s bill, prompting a slower legislative process. The bill includes measures for age verification for new accounts and potential penalties for platforms that fail to comply.
Key Points
- The proposed bill aims to prohibit social media usage for children under 16 in New Zealand.
- Prime Minister Luxon advocates for the bill, highlighting concerns over cyber-bullying and inappropriate content.
- The bill includes provisions for social media companies to verify users’ ages, imposing fines for non-compliance.
- This legislative approach doesn’t have a defined timetable, making its passage uncertain.
- The potential impact may resonate with other countries considering similar age verification measures, like Australia and the UK.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in the intersection of technology and child safety, this article dives into some serious conversations happening in New Zealand – and possibly elsewhere soon! The push for age verification on social media could reshape how platforms operate globally, making it a crucial read to stay ahead of the trends in social media regulation.