New Zealand kind-of moves to ban social media for under-16s, require age checks for new accounts

New Zealand’s government has signaled support for a member’s bill from MP Catherine Wedd to ban social media for under-16s, requiring platforms to verify user ages with penalties up to NZ$2 million for failures; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon endorsed the idea citing harms such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and addiction, while noting improved outcomes after smartphone bans in schools. As a member’s bill it lacks a set timetable and may face hurdles in Parliament despite opposition interest, and the move aligns with broader regional trends as Australia prioritizes age verification and the UK considers similar measures.