Under-16 social media ban bill

The story so far

In late July, Labour asked for a copy of the draft bill to ban social media for under-16s before offering support, and National said legal reasons stopped it sharing the document yet.^{28 Jul} The bill was expected to face opposition from coalition partners ACT and NZ First as it neared Cabinet.^{28 Jul} ACT and NZ First oppose the measure, so the bill lacks support from two arms of the coalition and its passage is uncertain.^{24, 25 Aug} Labour decided to support the bill at its first reading.^{25 Aug}

Latest

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended putting a rates cap ahead of the ban, saying there is not enough time before the election, while Labour urged an earlier debate.^{26 Aug} The bill would let the High Court order internet service providers to block platforms that do not comply, and some Hawke's Bay students have said they support the ban.^{29 Aug}

Key moments

1. 28 JulLabour asks for the draft bill; National cites legal reasons for withholding it.
2. 24 AugBill introduced, but ACT and NZ First oppose it.
3. 25 AugEducation Minister Erica Stanford leads the bill as National introduces it.
4. 25 AugLabour decides to support the bill at first reading.
5. 25 AugLuxon says there is no time for a vote before Parliament rises.
6. 26 AugLuxon defends prioritising a rates cap over the social media ban.
7. 29 AugBill would let the High Court order providers to block non-compliant platforms.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.