New Zealand proposes bill to restrict under-16s from social media, AI chatbots
New Zealand has introduced a bill aiming to prevent individuals under 16 from accessing social media and AI chatbots. The legislation would require platform operators to block underage users and conduct regular risk assessments.
New Zealand's government has introduced a bill that proposes restricting access to certain online platforms, including social media and AI chatbots, for individuals under the age of 16.
The Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill, tabled in Parliament on August 24, 2026, mandates that platform operators take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. It also establishes a requirement for regular child safety risk assessments for these platforms. The scope includes "social AI companions," defined as AI systems designed primarily to simulate social or emotional connections.
This legislative proposal follows a parliamentary inquiry into online harms affecting young New Zealanders, which concluded in March 2026 with 12 recommendations, including age-based restrictions for social media access.
The bill defines an "age-restricted platform" by its features, encompassing services where two or more users can exchange digital content and which possess characteristics such as personalized recommendations, continuously updated feeds, or engagement feedback. Services primarily focused on direct messaging, video gaming, music streaming, or professional networking are excluded.
Operators of these platforms will be responsible for implementing measures to verify age and prevent New Zealand residents under 16 from holding accounts. Simple age declaration will not suffice; platforms must employ robust age verification methods beyond relying solely on age documents or digital identity services. Personal data collected for age verification will be protected and used only for that specific purpose.
A second major obligation involves child safety risk assessments. These assessments must identify and evaluate risks to children under 18, covering aspects like content, platform design, and operation. These assessments need to be reviewed periodically, and the regulator can impose penalties, including financial penalties proportional to global turnover, for non-compliance.