InternetNZ cautiously welcomes Harmful Digital Communications Bill

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) welcomes the Government’s Harmful Digital Communications Bill and is pleased the Government is moving to foster good digital citizenship. However the organisation believes more can still be done.

Chief Executive Jordan Carter says that the Bill is largely mindful of the unique challenges the Internet poses for lawmaking.

“There is a fine line to walk with regards to the responsibility of website hosts. There will need to be more work done to the legislation, especially on the safe harbour provision. It’s absolutely vital that we balance the interests of those who are subject to harmful communications online with the appropriate degree of responsibility for Internet businesses.

“This has become especially relevant now. The Roastbusters scandal has drawn the public’s attention to the need for a system that gives victims of online bullying help. With organisations like our partners NetSafe, New Zealanders need to work hard on providing our children with a safe environment online.”

Mr Carter says that while the web and social media have the potential to enable victimisation, they are just one further medium for such victimisation, and there's no evidence they are a cause.

InternetNZ will carefully scrutinise the draft legislation and suggest specific improvements where needed during the select committee process.

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