Labour proposes giving New Zealanders choice between algorithmic and follow-only feeds

Labour unveiled a new digital-policy package that would force social-media companies to offer a toggle between a personalised algorithmic timeline and a timeline limited to accounts a user follows. Reuben Davidson argued that existing algorithms are built to maximise scrolling, which may not align with what Kiwis want. The party also plans to prohibit social-media access for anyone under 16 and to introduce a "Digital Duty of Care" law imposing basic legal responsibilities on online service providers.

This law would tighten privacy safeguards for age verification, protect under-18s from harmful content, bullying and design features that encourage excessive use, and combat deep-fake abuse, including non-consensual sexual imagery. Labour says it will push the bill through its first reading and onto a select committee within the first 100 days of a potential government term. The measures are presented as part of a broader effort to make the internet safer for New Zealanders.