New Zealand's Labour Party has pledged to pass a ban on social media for under-16s within its first 100 days if it returns to government, RNZ reports. The party also plans a 'Digital Duty of Care' law requiring platforms to identify and reduce risks from harmful content and addictive design, with an independent online regulator able to investigate and fine companies that break the rules.
Users would be able to switch between an algorithm-driven feed and one showing only accounts they follow. The proposals include stronger protections for under-18s and against deepfake sexual abuse, with powers to remove so-called nudify apps. The current government introduced an under-16 ban bill in August, but it lacked support from coalition partners New Zealand First and Act and will not get a first reading before the election.
Source: RNZ
