Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill
Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill in New Zealand: pending, effective TBD (introduced August 24, 2026). Applies to Social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook; AI companion services. Age range: Under 16. Operators must take reasonable ste
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | pending |
| Effective date | TBD (introduced August 24, 2026) |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook; AI companion services |
Key requirements
- Operators must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts
- Age assurance via existing account information, facial age estimation, digital ID services, or formal ID
- Child safety risk assessments for covered platforms
- Extends to AI companion services
Notes
Introduced by the Luxon government August 24, 2026 and referred to a full select committee process. Coalition partners ACT and NZ First have said they oppose it, so passage before the next election is uncertain.
Frequently asked
What does Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill require?
Operators must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts Age assurance via existing account information, facial age estimation, digital ID services, or formal ID Child safety risk assessments for covered platforms Extends to AI companion services
Who must comply with Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill in New Zealand?
Social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook; AI companion services
When does Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill take effect and what is its status?
Effective TBD (introduced August 24, 2026). Current status: pending. Introduced by the Luxon government August 24, 2026 and referred to a full select committee process. Coalition partners ACT and NZ First have said they oppose it, so passage before the next election is uncertain.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative | European Union | International | pending | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) | France | International | blocked | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: COPPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: Privacy Program Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)