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Summarised by Centrist
The government has set aside $30.75 million in Budget 2026 to develop proposals for its planned social media ban, even though the legislation has not yet been written.
The funding is for “policy and possible regulatory options” aimed at improving children’s online safety over the next four years.
According to reports, the funding is “subject to future policy and funding decisions”.
The Department of Internal Affairs is already hiring staff to help work on the proposal. This included a full-time senior role advertised in April “to help lead the delivery of the ban”.
The timing is notable because the law itself has not yet been drafted.
The move suggests the government is preparing the bureaucracy for a social media ban while key details remain unresolved, including how the policy would work, which platforms would be covered and how age verification would be enforced.
Supporters will argue the funding is needed to protect children online and develop workable rules before legislation is introduced.
Critics may question why nearly $31 million has been set aside before the final policy exists. There are concerns the proposal may lead to wider online identity checks, new compliance costs, and expanded government oversight of internet use.
