Australia Tests Under-16 Social Media Ban, New Zealand Advances Similar Proposal

Australia has legislated a groundbreaking ban on social media use for individuals under 16, set to take effect in December 2025, with a trial underway to test age verification technologies, though these systems currently face significant limitations and privacy concerns. New Zealand is following suit, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announcing plans to prepare legislation modeled on Australia's law, emphasizing protection from bullying, harmful content, and addiction, while seeking bipartisan support. Implementation challenges include how platforms will verify the ages of both new and existing users, with some platforms like YouTube and gaming services likely to be exempted, reflecting ongoing debates about the scope and enforcement of such bans. Critics argue that these measures may be motivated by political interests, aiming to suppress youth political engagement rather than solely protecting children’s wellbeing. Both countries are part of a broader international trend, with the UK, Ireland, Singapore, Japan, the EU, Canada, and parts of the US also exploring similar restrictions. Enforcement mechanisms may involve financial penalties for non-compliant platforms, but practical and technological hurdles remain significant.