Government’s digital speech restrictions go too far

Press release: ACT New Zealand
June 23, 2015. 6:10pm

ACT Leader David Seymour has indicated he cannot support the Government’s Harmful Digital Communications Bill due to what he sees as an overly broad focus and potential criminalisation of young people.

“The Bill’s communication principles are too broad to be easily interpreted as law. Ordinary internet users, especially young people, could fall foul of the law's criminal provisions for minor missteps.

“It’s a classic example of why we should not simply judge laws by their intent, but consider their possible unintended consequences.

“ACT takes the online safety of young people very seriously. This is why we support stronger enforcement of existing harassment laws, and amendments to the Crimes Act where needed.

“ACT’s Supplementary Order Paper, supported by Labour but voted down by the government today, would have removed most of the criminal provisions, and transferred the provision covering revenge porn to the Crimes Act.

“Instead we are left with an overly broad, unenforceable piece of legislation which countless ordinary people would inadvertently breach every day. This law risks becoming open to abuse by the very bullies it is intended to target.

“New York’s top court recently struck down a similar law for violating the First Amendment. Indeed, any restriction on communication should be balanced against the need to protect free speech. I fear this law does not achieve such a balance.”

ENDS

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