New Zealand’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: A Bold Move or A Swing and a Miss?
New Zealand’s government hints at backing a bill to ban social media for kids under 16. PM Christopher Luxon says it’s time to make virtual spaces as safe as the real world. The proposed law demands age verification and hefty fines for slip-ups. But as a “member’s bill,” timing for debate remains uncertain.
Hot Take:
New Zealand is playing the social media babysitter, but with no government babysitting involved! In a move that would make helicopter parents proud, the Kiwi government is backing a bill to ban children under 16 from social media—sort of. The catch? It’s not technically their idea, just a member’s bill from a friendly MP. So, they’re supporting a ban without officially endorsing it. It’s like saying you’re on a diet while eyeing a slice of cake and saying, “I’m here for moral support.”
Key Points:
- A Kiwi MP has proposed a member’s bill to ban social media for under-16s, with subtle government nods of approval.
- Prime Minister Luxon supports the bill, advocating for digital restrictions akin to physical world safety measures.
- Social media platforms could face hefty fines for failing to verify user ages under the proposed law.
- The bill needs to survive the wild ride of parliamentary approval without official government backing.
- Neighboring Australia and the UK might join the age-verification party, giving this bill some global buddies.