Critics of the Government’s proposed social media restrictions for children are warning the policy could evolve into a wider online identification and speech-control regime similar to systems introduced overseas.
A series of posts on X from commentator @2ETEKA and Sovereign spokesman Joshua Riley claimed comments from Education Minister Erica Stanford signalled a shift away from an earlier social media ban proposal towards what they described as a “universal age verification” system.
According to the posts, opponents fear such a model would require internet users to verify their identity online, potentially allowing broader monitoring of internet activity. The critics compared the proposal to systems operating in parts of United Kingdom and Europe, which they characterised as increasingly restrictive on online speech.
National is following the Commonwealth speech crackdown playbook. Don’t believe it’s because “parents want this”.
It starts with “protect the kids.” It ends with handcuffs for a post.
🇬🇧 UK – the warning we should already be heeding:
• 12,000 arrests per year for online posts… https://t.co/mreKeoTwPg
— Joshua Riley 🇳🇿 (@VoteSovereign) May 17, 2026
Riley claimed the policy followed what he called a “Commonwealth speech crackdown playbook”, arguing governments often introduce online controls under the justification of “protecting children” before later broadening enforcement powers.
His posts pointed to the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 and communications laws, which have seen thousands of arrests made annually over online posts, including memes and political commentary. He also referenced Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions and expanding “age assurance” requirements, as well as proposed hate speech legislation in Canada.
Riley argued New Zealand was “at step one” of the same process following National’s support for restricting social media access for under-16s. He further linked the debate to concerns about immigration and the India free trade agreement, claiming tighter online controls could eventually be used to manage political dissent.
Supporters of age verification measures generally argue they are aimed at reducing children’s exposure to harmful online material and “improving online safety”.
Education Minister Erica Stanford appears to be really good at mis representing the truth.ie lying b****
Yes, but that is the criteria for being a NZ politician representing the Parliament of Great Britain’s – the New Zealand Company.
Digital ID of any kind should never be allowed, this will just lead to a digital currency which will lead to the globalist agenda being forced upon us all and that will be a disaster for humanity. All freedom will eventually be lost is this is allowed to happen. This will lead to the complete slavery of Humanity.
Digital ID is coming. I work in MSD and I know it. OIA is your friend -until further notice-, so use it and get all the information you can get from MSD nad DIA, and make it public.
Thej will introduce it in little steps and with a ‘free gift’ which you don’t get if you don’t have DI.
Look at all the suckers lining up for a benefit.
Wait for it folks, the sock puppet government will want to secure this legislation prior to the next general election.
At least to give you the illusion that the next government has no choice and must implement WEF / UN digital control.
Jabby will be so, so happy to see National pushing through her doctrine and dogma, which was likely the plan all along. Two sides of the same coin doing the heavy lifting for Klaus and his goons..
Vote NZ First. NO LABOUR or NATIONAL NWO scum
And who are NZLast in bed with? Wake up, none are worth pinch of shit to blow them to hell.
Shelly, read the comments and learn:
https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/news/peters-unveils-kiwisaver-from-birth-scheme-and-bnz-buyback-plan/
They want to see the kids. It is a pedophile network!! Do not comply!!
Of course its undemocratic surveillance state slow creep. Both National Disgrace and Liebour are all hot, sweaty and jiggly over the idea of shutting up the plebs, locking them up dare they tell the truth about what a bunch of useless turncoats and parasites, much of the political class are. Its worked in Germany and UK, Australia is getting ready, why not here too.
Riley argued New Zealand was “at step one” of the same process following National’s support for restricting social media access for under-16s. He further linked the debate to concerns about immigration and the India free trade agreement, claiming tighter online controls could eventually be used to manage political dissent.
Look what happened 3 days ago here in NZ…
https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/news/remigration-new-zealand-says-police-raids-targeted-activists/
Or…this
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350483955/police-seize-rifle-ammo-from-christchurch-pastor-carl-bromley-s-house-in-new-year-s-eve-raid
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/dawn-raids ie ‘A good majority of those rounded up were from North America’…a point always over-looked and missed in the history books…!
These kids who have had their U.N. Human Rights of the Child violated by the Zio-Globalist PTB from accessing the internet, web, and from communicating with parents & friends will remember this, and they will VOTE when they turn 18!
And when they do vote, I hope they vote for the New Zealand Loyal Party!!!