New Zealand moves to ban children under 16 from social media - BBC News

The government faces opposition to its proposals from MPs who believe a ban will not work.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The proposed ban would apply to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok

New Zealand is to introduce a bill seeking to ban under-16s from using social media.

Under the latest proposals, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, will have to take steps to check users are over 16 and platforms that fail to meet their obligations could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media was exposing children to "harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with". But several political parties have said they will vote against the bill.

The move follows a similar ban in Australia, while countries including the UK and Greece are set to introduce restrictions next year.