Censorship by compliance: Free Speech Union warns under-16 bill risks more harm than good

24 October 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Censorship by compliance: Free Speech Union warns under-16 bill risks more harm than good

The Free Speech Union warns that the Members’ Bill to age-gate social media would do more harm than good. The effect of social media on young people is a conversation that is needed, but any response must protect, not limit, Kiwis’ speech rights, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“There are many valid concerns about what social media usage is doing to our young people. But a sweeping ban is not the answer. Heavy-handed government overreach or the threat of heavy penalties will incentivise platforms to remove content, switch off features, or withdraw services rather than defend lawful but messy debate.

“How will the state or tech companies monitor who’s who? By creating hoops that we all have to jump through, regardless of age. This is not just about those who are under 16 years old – we’ll all have to provide verification if we want to speak freely online. Censorship will be applied through compliance. The internet is the modern-day public square and and access to it should be made freer, not restricted.

“Vague and subjective definitions of ‘harm’ will be expanded and abused, increasing arbitrary takedowns and asymmetric enforcement. 

We accept that real harms occur online but jumping into unproven age-verification or digital-ID regimes is not the answer. It's simply a sticking plaster that makes us feel good about a problem, but in the long run, it will create much bigger ones.

“Parliament should reject heavy-handed approaches and instead advocate for more education for young people and parents to increase digital literacy. Other measures could include opt-in tools, civic education, community initiatives, and better parental resources. Individuals should be equipped from the ground up, not limited by the state.”

ENDS

Note to editor: The Free Speech Union’s 2025 AGM will include a panel discussion on this bill and digital ID. Panellists include Andrew Cushen, Eric Crampton, and Ani O’Brien. Join us Saturday, 8^th November, at the Christchurch Town Hall. All welcome. Find more information and RSVP here.

Read our recent submission to the Education and Workforce Committee’s Inquiry into harm young New Zealanders encounter online here.