On July 25th 2022 Netsafe and NZTech launched a new initiative that commits a range of technology companies to reducing the risk of online content that may cause harm to New Zealanders.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms has been adopted by Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google (YouTube), TikTok, Twitch, and Twitter.
The Code commits signatories to a set of Guiding Principles and Commitments that aims to mitigate the risks and reduce the prevalence of harmful content in seven areas:
- child sexual exploitation and abuse
- bullying or harassment
- hate speech
- incitement of violence
- violent or graphic content
- misinformation
- disinformation
The intention and development of the Code is encapsulated by four key Māori principles of mahi tahi (solidarity), kauhanganuitanga (balance), mana tangata (humanity) and mana (respect), which are critical to serving the diverse user communities in New Zealand and realising the purpose and aspirations of the Code.
