- If passed, the bill could restrict the use of social media by children under the age of 16.
- Social media companies that break the rules can face fines of up to 10 percent of global revenue.
- Digital ID, facial age estimation or official documents can be used to verify children's age.
Children under 16 by the New Zealand government Social mediaThe 'Online Safety Bill' has been introduced in the Parliament with the aim of keeping away from The main objective of the bill is to protect children from online harassment, addictive algorithms and mental health effects of social media.
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According to the bill, big social media companies such as Meta, TikTok and Snapchat could be fined up to 10 percent of their global revenue for violating the rules. Platforms may use digital ID, facial age estimation, existing account data or official documents to verify whether users are over 16 years of age. Social media companies will have the sole legal responsibility to implement this law. No penalty will be imposed on the children or their parents, Education Minister Erica Stanford explained. (Photo Courtesy – AI Created)
Australia has become the first country in the world to introduce a law restricting the use of social media by children under the age of 16. Since then, many countries, including France, Britain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, have implemented similar laws or put forward concrete proposals in this regard. If New Zealand's proposal is approved, it will join the list of countries that have banned children's social media use.
At least five hours on social media
The Government cannot accept the loss to an entire generation of New Zealand children. One in three children between the ages of 13 and 17 spends at least five hours a day on social media. It affects their family life, education and sleep. – Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister, New Zealand
Indonesia
Eight high-risk social media platforms provide for account deactivation for children under the age of 16. Age verification and parental control have been made mandatory, and this rule is effective from 28 March 2026.
Brazil
It has been made mandatory for children below 16 years of age to link their accounts with their legal guardians. Although the account will not be closed directly, it is necessary to link with the parent. This Act is applicable from 17 March 2026.
Malaysia
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from creating accounts on licensed social media platforms. Age must be verified through passport or digital ID. Violation of the rules can result in fines of up to $25 million. These rules came into force from 1st June 2026.
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France
It is proposed to ban children under the age of 15 from creating new social media accounts. Provision was made for verification of accounts till January 1, 2027. However, France's Constitutional Council blocked the law, raising the issue of freedom of expression. Now Saskar is working on a new draft.