Do not implement a social media ban for under-16s

What is the topic?

This petition opposes a proposed law that would prevent people under 16 from using social media platforms. The core issue is age verification: how the government can prove a user’s age without requiring them to hand over sensitive personal documents to private companies.

Current situation in New Zealand

Following public concern over online safety, the New Zealand government has been exploring ways to restrict social media access for young people. Similar laws have been passed in Australia, and there is ongoing debate in Aotearoa about whether a blanket ban is the right approach. This petition asks the House of Representatives to reject such a ban, arguing that it causes more harm than good.

Arguments in favour of the petition

• Isolation and risk: Supporters argue that banning social media does not stop young people from going online. Instead, it may push them toward unregulated, less safe parts of the internet where they have no support systems.
• Expression and connection: Social media is a primary tool for many young people to express themselves, build friendships, and access information. A ban could isolate them from their peer groups.
• Privacy concerns: To enforce a ban, companies would likely need to verify ages. The petition argues this forces users to share identity documents with corporations that have a history of data breaches, violating the Privacy Act 2020 (specifically Principle 4 regarding data collection).
• Bill of Rights: Critics claim such a ban infringes on the right to freedom of expression protected under the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990.

Arguments against the petition

• Online safety: Opponents of the ban argue that social media poses significant risks to mental health, including exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, and predatory behaviour. They believe restricting access is a necessary protective measure.
• Precedent: Proponents of the ban point to other countries, such as Australia, which have implemented similar age restrictions to protect minors, suggesting it is a viable policy tool.
• Parental control limitations: Some argue that parents cannot effectively monitor all online activity, making government intervention necessary to set a baseline of safety.

Relevant context

The debate is influenced by recent global trends in digital safety legislation. In New Zealand, the Privacy Act 2020 sets strict rules on how personal information is collected and used. Any age verification system must comply with these laws, which is a major technical and legal hurdle for both the government and social media companies. The affected group includes all New Zealanders under 16, as well as parents and educators who worry about the social and developmental impacts of such a restriction.

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