Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/33249-advice-regarding-age-verification-mechanisms-and-privacy-risks-for-social-media-regulation on May 28, 2026 05:48

Advice regarding Age Verification Mechanisms and Privacy Risks for Social Media Regulation

Joshua Riley made this Official Information request to Paul Goldsmith

Paul Goldsmith did not have the information requested.

From: Joshua Riley

Dear Paul Goldsmith,

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).

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From: Paul Goldsmith (MIN)
Paul Goldsmith

Please note that this acknowledgement is an automatically generated email.

Kia ora,

Thank you for contacting Hon Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Justice, Minister
for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister for Media and Communications and
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.

Hon Paul Goldsmith considers all correspondence important and appreciates
you taking the time to write. As the Minister receives a large amount of
correspondence, it is not always possible to personally reply to all
emails.

If your correspondence is diary related, requests will be processed
accordingly.

If your correspondence requires a response, you can expect a response in
due course.

If your correspondence relates to another Minister's portfolio, your
correspondence will be transferred to the appropriate Minister.

If your correspondence expresses an opinion, it will be noted.

If your request relates to media, it will be referred to Minister
Goldsmith’s Press Secretary.

If you have made a request for official information then this will be
managed in accordance with the provisions of the Official Information Act
1982, which may include transfer to a more relevant Minister or agency.
Over the holiday period in December and January
there is a three-week period that doesn’t count as ‘working days’. For
Official Information Act (OIA) requests, that period is 25 December to 15
January, inclusive. That means any OIA requests submitted on 27 November
or later may take a bit longer than you
expected.

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Thank you for the taking the time to write.

Ngâ mihi,

Office of Hon Paul Goldsmith
Minister of Justice| Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage | Minister
for Media and Communications | Minister for Treaty of Waitangi
Negotiations

Freepost: Private Bag 18041 | Parliament Buildings | Wellington 6011

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From: Joshua Riley

To: Office of Hon Paul Goldsmith
Date: March 22, 2026

I am writing regarding my Official Information Act request submitted on December 13, 2025, concerning advice and communications regarding age verification mechanisms for social media regulation.

To date, the only correspondence I have received is an automated acknowledgement generated on the day the request was submitted.

Under section 15(1) of the Official Information Act 1982, agencies and Ministers are required to make and communicate a decision on a request "as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case not later than 20 working days after the day on which the request is received."

I am fully aware that the period from December 25 to January 15 inclusive does not count as working days under the Act. However, even accounting for this statutory summer holiday period, the maximum 20-working-day timeframe expired in early February 2026. Furthermore, I have not received any notification of an extension under section 15A of the Act.

Please consider this my final notice. If I do not receive a substantive response or a formal decision regarding my request by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, I will lodge a formal complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Specifically, I will be complaining under section 28(3) of the OIA for undue delay in responding to a request, which is deemed a refusal under the Act.

I look forward to your urgent reply and the release of the requested information.

Joshua Riley

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From: Paul Goldsmith (MIN)
Paul Goldsmith

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Good afternoon Joshua –

 

Apologies in the delay in a response.

 

In our view, it would have been necessary under section 14 of the Official
Information Act to transfer your request to Minister Stanford’s office
because the information you requested is more closely connected to the
functions of the Education portfolio, and is likely to be held by that
office. However, we are aware that you had already made an identical
request directly to that office, and therefore we did not transfer it.

 

We do not hold any additional material that isn’t held by that office, and
therefore consider this request closed.

 

You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman about this decision.
Relevant information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Thank you again for your request, and your patience.

 

[2]A blue and Office of Hon Paul Goldsmith
white emblem
Description Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage | Minister of Justice
automatically
generated Minister for Media and Communications | Minister for Treaty of
Waitangi Negotiations

 

Email [3][Paul Goldsmith request email] | [4]www.beehive.govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New
Zealand

 

 

References

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1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
3. mailto:[Paul Goldsmith request email]
4. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/

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