Thank you for contacting the Office of Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of
Education, Minister of Immigration, Lead Coordination Minister for the
Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into Historical
Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, and
Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays.

We appreciate you reaching out – the Minister considers all correspondence
to be important, and all messages are carefully read and considered.
Please do note it is not always possible to provide a personal response to
every email received. Personal views, feedback and suggestions are
gratefully received and will be passed on to the Minister and/or relevant
Agencies.

Please note the following to help us direct your correspondence:

* If you are seeking ministerial intervention for an immigration case,
please contact Associate Minister of Immigration, Hon Chris Penk, at
[email address] Minister Stanford is unable to comment on
individual cases.
* Emails relating to education matters that are operational in
nature will be transferred to the Ministry of Education (or other
agency).  Minister Stanford is unable to comment on individual cases.
You can contact the Ministry directly at:
[email address]
* For assistance related to historical abuse in state care, please
contact the Survivor Experiences Team at
[email address].
* If you have invited Minister Stanford to an event, or requested a
meeting, a member of staff may contact you for more information.
* Official Information or Privacy Act requests will be managed under the
relevant Acts, which may include transfer to another Agency.
* If you are a journalist, your request will be referred to the Press
Secretary.
* If you are a constituent of East Coast Bays, your email will be shared
with the Electorate Office.

Thank you again for writing to Minister Stanford.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Reception: +64 4 817 6805 | Ministerial Email:
[1][Erica Stanford request email] |
Web: beehive.govt.nz  | Post: Freepost Parliament, Private Bag 18 041,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

References

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1. mailto:[Erica Stanford request email]

OIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

 

Dear Joshua,

 

Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request,
received on 13/12/2025, in which you requested the following information:

 

I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act
1982 regarding the proposed legislation to restrict social media access
for users under the age of 16.

 

Specifically, I am requesting copies of all advice, briefings, cabinet
papers, or aides-mémoire provided to you or your office regarding the
technical implementation of age verification, specifically covering the
period from October 1, 2024, to present.

 

I request the following specific information:

 

1. Device-Based vs. Provider-Based Verification: Any documents outlining
the comparative analysis between "Device-Based/OS-Level" verification
(using Apple/Google APIs) versus "Provider-Based" verification (requiring
platforms like Meta/TikTok to verify users).

Specific interest: I am seeking information on why the "Device-Based"
model was rejected or not mandated, given its superior privacy
characteristics.

 

2. Privacy Impact of ID Uploads: Any advice received regarding the privacy
risks of the "Provider Liability" model, specifically concerning the
likelihood of social media platforms requiring government ID uploads or
facial biometrics from New Zealand adults and children to ensure
compliance.

 

3. Australian Consultation: Any correspondence with the Australian
Government or eSafety Commissioner regarding the privacy implications of
their Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024,
specifically regarding the use of third-party identity brokers (e.g.,
Yoti, k-ID).

 

 

Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official
Information Act.

 

 

Kind regards,

Office of Hon Erica Stanford

 

Office of Hon Erica Stanford

 

MP for East Coast Bays

Minister of Education

Minister of Immigration

Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions

 
Website: [1]www.Beehive,govt.nz

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author
by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.

 

 

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