Labour pledges under-16 social media ban within first 100 days

Labour has pledged to put in place a social media ban for under-16s within its first 100 days in office if it is returned to government at the election, RNZ.

Science, technology and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said legislation for the ban would be passed in the first 100 days and strengthened at select committee, where a small group of MPs examines proposed laws in detail, with new privacy protections.

The package includes a new independent online regulator with powers to enforce safety standards, investigate harmful practices and take action against companies that break the rules, including fines.

Labour proposed a new "Digital Duty of Care" law requiring platforms to identify risks and protect New Zealanders from harmful content and addictive designs. Platforms would be required to let users choose between an algorithm-driven feed or posts only from accounts they follow, with the ability to switch at any time.

Labour said the duty of care law would include stronger protections for under-18s against harmful content, bullying and design features that encourage excessive use or damage self-esteem. It would include stronger protections against deepfake abuse, including non-consensual sexual images, and powers to take down harmful nudify apps and sites.

Leader Chris Hipkins said "parents should not have to take on big tech on their own."

The Government introduced a bill to ban social media for under-16s in August without support from National's coalition partners New Zealand First or ACT. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Erica Stanford said the bill would not get its first reading, the first vote in Parliament, this term because it was introduced close to Parliament rising for the election.

Labour said it would support the Government's bill at first reading to send it to select committee, but Leader of the House Louise Upston said it would not go before the House due to lack of time. Labour, as the main opposition party, had said on 25 August that it would support a ban for under-16s, Reuters.

Labour's ban, algorithm opt-out, duty-of-care law and independent regulator proposals were described as following Australia's approach, interest.co.nz. The Government's proposed bill would require "high risk" platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to check users' ages and take action to reduce harm or face a fine of up to 10%, Stuff.