The Free Speech Union (FSU) warns that the Government’s proposed law to ban social media for under-16s risks setting a dangerous precedent for online freedom, access, and privacy in New Zealand.

“New polling commissioned by the FSU and conducted by Curia Market Research found that two-thirds of New Zealanders (66%) initially supported a ban on social media use for under-16s and mandatory age verification for all users when asked. However, nearly half (43%) expressed concern that such a measure could lead to de facto digital ID requirements for all adults. A step many fear would negatively impact lawful speech for adults, result in undue censorship, and undermine privacy,” Free Speech Union CEO Jillaine Heather says.

“While many New Zealanders are understandably worried about online harms faced by young people, and the asymmetrical power imbalance between parents and large digital platforms, we must not stumble into a surveillance state under the guise of protecting children. Public support for the ban collapses when potential free-speech and privacy implications are raised.

“Creating an infrastructure that requires every adult New Zealander to prove their identity before they can speak, share, or even read online risks creating a cure far worse than the disease. The risk of function creep and turning child-protection measures into a national digital ID system is very real.”

A similar informal FSU membership survey of more than 1,500 respondents shows similar unease:

85% worry that government or industry systems built to “protect kids” could end up limiting lawful speech or collecting excessive personal data.

79% believe the greater risk is over-enforcement, where adults and older teens are wrongly blocked from accessing content.

74% are highly concerned that age checks could evolve into a mandatory digital ID for everyday internet use.

Only 7% think Parliament can adequately fix these issues through the select committee process.

“This is a classic example of good intentions colliding with bad policy. Legislation to ban under 16s from social media must not be passed until the public receives detailed assurances that adult freedom of expression and access can be adequately protected,” says Heather.

“Our supporters are clear that any proposed legislation needs to have explicit freedom of expression protections and censorship guardrails need to be written into the bill, not the press release.

“We urge Parliament to pause and watch overseas rollouts that rely on platforms taking reasonable steps, not universal ID checks, and focus on solutions that empower parents, improve digital literacy, and enforce existing rules. Not measures that normalise showing ‘papers, please’ to speak online.”

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