The National Party today released its plan for banning social media for under-16s. The ban will at least include the social media platforms banned by Australia, which are YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick. The ban will also include companion AI chatbots, but not AI chatbots that National says are primarily used for information gathering, like Gemini, ChatGPT and Copilot.

The National Party’s coalition partners, NZ First and Act, do not support the policy. The Green Party are also opposed. For the bill to become law, the National Party will need the support of Labour. At this stage, the Labour Party is requesting more information before it can decide if it supports the bill.

Directed, filmed and edited by Faith Cruz.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.