 "New Zealand to restrict social media access for children under 16")
Officials confirmed on Thursday that for the parliament’s momentum and to prevent young people from getting trapped online, New Zealand is set to debate a new bill that would restrict children under the age of 16 to access social media content. This marks a significant step for the country’s development after being selected from a pool of member’s bills.
The legislation, introduced by ruling National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd, would require social media companies to implement age verification measures before allowing users to create accounts. The move mirrors Australia’s world-first law passed in 2024, which bans social media use for those under 16 and mandates strict identity checks.
Wedd’s bill, first submitted in May, gained recognition from members of the National Party. However, its fate in Parliament remains uncertain as it has not received any confirmation from the party’s coalition partners. In New Zealand, member’s bills-those introduced by MPs outside the cabinet are selected through a ceremonial lottery before being formally tabled for debate.
The timeline of the bill has not been confirmed, it arrives amid the growing political concerns in New Zealand about the mental health effects of social media on teenagers. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has repeatedly raised alarm about the growing misinformation, cyberbullying, and unhealthy body image trends online, warning that the platform’s unchecked influence poses serious risks to the young minds.
Civil-liberties organisation PILLAR has criticised the bill saying it will not effectively protect children and will instead compromise privacy and limit freedom online.
“Aligning with international efforts may sound responsible, but it is lazy policymaking,” PILLAR Executive Director Nathan Seiuli said in a statement according to news agency Reuters. He warned that mandatory age checks could expose users to new data.
 "The Taliban walk into Delhi — and India opens its doors: Afghan expert calls it 'strategic shift'")
 "Australia vs India LIVE Score, 2nd ODI in Adelaide: Rohit and Shreyas shift gears as India finally accelerate")
 "Trump imposes sanctions on 2 Russian oil firms. Why now?")
 "Sensex rises 800 points as investors bet on India-US trade deal")
 "The Taliban walk into Delhi — and India opens its doors: Afghan expert calls it 'strategic shift'")
 "Australia vs India LIVE Score, 2nd ODI in Adelaide: Rohit and Shreyas shift gears as India finally accelerate")
 "Trump imposes sanctions on 2 Russian oil firms. Why now?")
 "Sensex rises 800 points as investors bet on India-US trade deal")
