Summarised by Centrist
University of Auckland lecturer Shohil Kishore argues that the government will need to take the lead in enforcing any proposed age restrictions on social media.
National MP Catherine Wedd’s member’s bill would require platforms to verify users are aged 16 or older – a move backed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, but not yet formally adopted by the coalition.
Kishore supports the intent of the bill but cautions against outsourcing enforcement to the very companies profiting from youth engagement.
Citing both privacy and safety concerns, he argued verification processes should be handled by government systems, such as RealMe.
Kishore warns that platforms lack the incentive and the capacity to police their users effectively.
“This lack of accountability… puts [kids] at risk of sexual exploitation, cyber bullying and exposure to a lot of harmful content,” he said.
Kishore said the policy must account for cost, public education, and broader definitions, including whether games like Roblox count as social media.
While Luxon has floated fast-tracking the bill, ACT is opposed to a ban and wants a public inquiry instead.
Leader David Seymour clarified ACT’s stance hasn’t shifted: “Maybe [Luxon’s] letting the sunny optimism get a bit ahead of him… if anything, the rest of politics has come towards ACT’s position.”
Wedd’s bill, if drawn, would still need to pass a full vote in Parliament.
