New Zealand bill would require platforms to verify users' ages

New Zealand has proposed a law about children using social media.

It would require certain platforms to check that account holders are at least 16.

The children and their parents would not be punished if a child had an account.

Instead, the platforms could be fined if they did not take reasonable steps to check ages.

Companies could use information they already have, face estimates, digital identity services or official documents.

Each method has possible problems, such as mistakes, privacy risks or discrimination.

The proposal is meant to reduce harmful content, addictive features and pressures affecting children.

However, New Zealand First opposes the bill, so it may not become law.

Other countries are trying different approaches, including changing social media designs rather than only blocking younger users.