Prime Minister of New Zealand advocates for implementations of restrictions, barring children under age 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Tackling Child Protection Online: New Zealand's Social Media Age Verification Proposal
In an attempt to shield young children from the dark side of social media, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a law that would prohibit users under 16 from joining these platforms. Akin to Australia's regulatory efforts, this move is gaining attention worldwide [1][2].
The governing National Party, the largest member in New Zealand's three-way coalition, has drafted the laws. Violations could lead to fines of up to NZ$2 million (US$1.2 million) [1].
"This is all about preserving our kids," Luxon explained, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation's children from the potential dangers lurking on social media [1].
Although the legislation's timeline remains unclear, Luxon is optimistic that the bill will garner support across the political chamber [1].
The proposed bill, initially introduced by National MP Catherine Wedd, aims to tackle issues such as bullying, inappropriate content, and addiction [1][2]. For it to become law, it requires support from the coalition partners [1].
Under the draft, social media companies would be mandated to establish age verification systems before granting access [1][4]. Should companies fail to meet the requirements, they might face harsh penalties, threatening their operations and profits in the country [1][4].
The initiative has garnered support from concerned parents and educators, who are worried about inadequate online protections for the young ones [3]. The decision aligns with the stricter regulatory attempts initiated by Australia [1][3]. However, the tech industry has protested the proposed laws, describing them as "rushed," "vague," and "problematic" [1].
[1] - https://www.newsroom.co.nz/new-zealands-social-media-bill[2] - https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/130961588/social-media-age-verification-bill-ahead-of-parliament-after-first-reading[3] - https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/11/parents-teachers-support-proposed-social-media-age-restrictions.html[4] - https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/national-party-plans-introduce-age-verification-social-media-law
- Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has recently proposed a law that aims to model age verification systems on social media, with the objective of banning users under 16 years old.
- This policy-and-legislation initiative, drafted by the National Party, is gaining attention globally, especially in relation to Australia's regulatory efforts in the realm of social-media.
- In an attempt to tackle issues like bullying, inappropriate content, and addiction, the proposed bill necessitates social-media companies to establish such age verification systems before granting access.
- Refusal to meet these requirements could lead to severe penalties, including fines worth up to NZ$2 million and potential threats to their operations and profits in New Zealand.
- The draft bill, initially brought forth by National MP Catherine Wedd, requires support from the coalition partners to become law and aligns with the stricters social-media regulations currently being implemented by Australia.
