New Zealand moves to ban social media for under-16s

New Zealand's government introduced legislation on Monday to ban under 16s from using social media, joining a number of countries seeking to keep youngsters off sites such as Instagram and TikTok.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon specifically called out platforms Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, saying they would be required to take "reasonable steps to check users are over the age of 16". Platforms would also be required to assess the risks they pose as well as report on how those dangers are being reduced, with penalties slapped on companies that fail to comply. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the Bill "places legal obligations on platforms". "No penalties are proposed for children, their parents or caregivers," Stanford said.