New Zealand social media ban: Main opposition Labour backs under-16 bill

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's government has introduced legislation that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook.

The main opposition Labour Party said on Tuesday it would support the proposed ban, giving the government a significant boost after its coalition partners, ACT and New Zealand First, said they would oppose the bill.

Labour's backing removes a major obstacle to advancing the legislation before an election scheduled for November 7.

Luxon said on Monday that the proposed law would require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to verify users' ages, including through existing account information, facial technology and digital identity documents.

Platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

"With Labour's support there is no reason for the government to delay the bill and we expect to see it through its first reading before the election," Labour leader Chris Hipkins said in a statement.

However, Luxon's coalition partners remain opposed to the measure. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who is also the country's foreign minister, said his party had concerns about the proposed legislation and warned it could put the country on a "slippery slope".

The bill could still face difficulties passing through parliament before the election despite Labour's support.

Australia became the first country to ban social media access for under-16s, while countries including Britain are also taking steps to restrict children's access to social media platforms.

The proposed New Zealand legislation aims to protect young people from online harms, mental health pressures and addictive algorithms by restricting social media access for users under 16.