New Zealand Labour Backs Social Media Ban for Under-16s

New Zealand’s main opposition Labour Party said Tuesday it will support a proposed social media ban for children under 16, giving Prime Minister Christopher Luxon a potential path to advance the legislation despite opposition from his coalition partners.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins called on the government to move quickly, saying his party’s backing removes a significant hurdle ahead of New Zealand’s November 7 election.

“With Labour’s support there is no reason for the government to delay the bill and we expect to see it in through its first reading before the election,” Hipkins said in a statement.

Luxon outlined the proposed social media restrictions on Monday. Under the legislation, social media companies would be required to take reasonable measures to confirm users’ ages before allowing them access to their platforms.

Age verification methods could include information already linked to user accounts, facial technology and digital identity documents. Social media platforms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 10% of their global revenue.

However, Luxon faces resistance from within his own governing coalition. New Zealand First and the ACT Party both said Tuesday they would not support the legislation, creating uncertainty over whether the bill could clear parliament before the election.

New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters raised concerns about the broader implications of restricting social media access.

“We have been concerned with the proposed legislation and the direction and slippery slope that legislation like this will inevitably take our country,” Peters said in a post on X.

Labour’s decision to support the measure could therefore prove crucial to its progress through parliament, particularly if Luxon cannot secure enough votes from his coalition partners.

New Zealand’s push to restrict social media use among children follows similar moves internationally. Australia became the first country to introduce a social media ban for users under 16, while other governments, including Britain, are pursuing measures designed to limit children’s and younger teenagers’ access to social media platforms.

The debate highlights growing global concerns over online safety, age verification and the impact of social media on younger users.