New Zealand will introduce legislation on Monday banning under 16s from using social media, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying the government cannot accept the harm being done to children. The Online Safety Bill would require platforms to verify users are over 16 and could fine firms like Meta up to 10 percent of global revenue for noncompliance. The plan is facing opposition from coalition partners ACT and NZ First, so its passage is unclear.
A girl poses while opening the TikTok app on her phone in Sydney, Australia, Nov. 22, 2025. Reuters-Yonhap
WELLINGTON — New Zealand's government will introduce legislation on Monday banning under 16s from using social media, joining a number of countries seeking to keep youngsters off sites such as Instagram and TikTok.
New Zealand has been investigating a social media ban for over a year, after neighbouring Australia implemented its world-first legislation in December.
Under the Online Safety Bill, firms like Meta could be fined up to 10 percent of their global revenue if they fail to comply.
