Tech giants TikTok and Meta have cautioned that a proposed social media ban for under-16s could backfire, pushing young users to less safe online spaces.
Appearing before Parliament’s Education and Workforce Committee, representatives from both companies argued for “balanced and enforceable” safety measures rather than an outright prohibition.
The inquiry, initiated after ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar opposed the government’s plan, heard a range of views on online harm, age assurance, and regulation.
TikTok said it removes thousands of underage accounts and defaults users under 16 to private settings, while Meta outlined similar safeguards.
Critics of the ban—including the UK’s Free Speech Union and Institute of Economic Affairs—warned it could encourage VPN use and restrict freedoms.
Others, including child safety advocates and researchers, urged stronger regulation, digital literacy, and accountability from tech firms to protect young people from harmful marketing and exploitation.
“Think of the children” is one of those bricks the road to hell is paved with.