New Zealand: Announced Social Media Age-Restricted Users Bill

On 6 May 2025, a Member of Parliament from the National Party announced the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill. The Bill would require providers of designated social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their services. The Act applies to platforms primarily designed for online social interaction, where users can post content and interact with others, excluding those used solely for advertising or which are inaccessible in New Zealand. A social media platform may be classified as “age-restricted” through regulations, and providers of such platforms are obligated to ensure that underage users cannot register or hold accounts. Non-compliance may result in civil penalties of up to NZD 2 million, with enforcement actions brought by the department’s chief executive. When determining penalties, the court considers factors such as the degree of harm, the provider’s intent, prior conduct, and efforts to mitigate failure. The Act also enables regulations to define age-restricted platforms and allows the Minister to designate platforms as such.