25 Aug 2026, 17:52

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster has said that online harm is real and serious, and careful consideration and consultation is needed on proposals for addressing the problem. 

“Everyone in New Zealand has privacy rights regardless of their age. Young people deserve privacy-protective systems. Any technology that proves a user’s age has privacy implications for everyone.” 

“Collecting mandatory age information can introduce the risk of data breaches, inaccurate age estimation systems, or result in the reuse of information originally collected for other reasons, for the purpose of inferring users’ ages,” said Mr Webster.

“While the current focus is on harms to young people, I also think a broader conversation is needed about how we keep people safe online,” said the Commissioner. 

“It is important not to lose sight of the need for effective regulation of online environments, to make them safer not only for young people, but for all New Zealanders.”  

“Given the potential impacts on the privacy rights of New Zealanders, proposals for a social media minimum age should be fully informed by public consultation.

“We should also understand and learn from the strengths and weaknesses of how this approach has operated overseas,” Mr Webster said.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has worked with government officials on the privacy issues associated with proposed minimum age requirements. This has resulted in additional privacy protections around collecting information. 

The Commissioner said, "I raised an issue during the development of the Bill about how the protections would apply to third parties who undertake age assurance on behalf of regulated platforms. 

“I am pleased to see it has been addressed. I look forward to engaging further on the proposals.”

Note: The Privacy Commissioner won’t be available for media interviews in relation to this statement.