Which types of online harm is the law meant to address?

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New Zealand Law Aims to Shield Under-16s from Various Online Harms

New Zealand's proposed legislation seeks to protect children under the age of 16 from significant online dangers, primarily by holding social media platforms accountable for user age verification. The draft laws are designed to address the increasing prevalence of violent and disturbing content, alongside issues such as cyberbullying and exploitation, which Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has identified as making social media an unsafe environment for young people.
Protection from Violent and Disturbing Content

The proposed ban is a direct response to the growing volume of violent and disturbing material circulating on social media platforms. While the specific nature of this content beyond general descriptions is not detailed in the draft legislation, the intent is to reduce children's exposure to potentially traumatising or inappropriate imagery and narratives. This concern is shared globally, with regulators worldwide grappling with similar issues regarding content moderation and child safety.
Combating Cyberbullying and Exploitation

Beyond explicit content, the legislation aims to mitigate the risks of cyberbullying and exploitation faced by young users. These terms, while broadly understood, in the context of social media refer to online harassment, intimidation, or abuse directed at individuals, and the potential for individuals to be taken advantage of, manipulated, or abused online. By restricting access for those under 16, the government intends to create a safer online space, removing avenues through which such harms can occur.
Age Verification Mechanisms and Penalties

To enforce the ban, social media companies would be required to verify that users are at least 16 years old. Failure to implement adequate age verification measures could result in substantial fines, with proposed penalties reaching up to NZ$2 million (approximately RM5.06 million). The specifics of how these verification processes will function and be policed are still being determined, reflecting ongoing challenges in this regulatory area.
Precedent Set by Australia's Legislation

New Zealand's proposed laws are modelled on similar strict legislation recently enacted in Australia. Australia's laws, which came into effect in November, also restrict access for individuals under 16. While some platforms like YouTube may be exempt for educational purposes, the broader aim in both nations is to impose greater responsibility on technology companies to safeguard younger users from the negative aspects of online engagement.

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Which types of online harm is the law meant to address?

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