Social media ban for under-16s (Online Safety bill)
What it actually does
Began as Catherine Wedd's National member's bill in May 2025 requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to stop under-16s holding accounts; in August 2026 the Prime Minister announced a government bill with age checks and fines of up to 10% of global revenue. NZ First and ACT signalled opposition, and it had not passed before Parliament dissolved.
Source: Reuters via TimesLIVE · 2026-08
The Trump take
“Fine Mark and the tech guys ten percent? They're my friends now, very nice to me lately. Leave our great American companies alone!”parody
Why it scored this way
US Big Tech
Fines of 10% of global revenue on US platforms
-2
Hates it
Red tape
New age-verification obligations
-1
Dislikes it
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