NZTech Inform – security, privacy and digital trust

It’s a big week for security, privacy, identity and trust!  

NZTech, Netsafe and five of the world’s leading technology companies have collaborated on a joint agreement for online safety, setting a benchmark in the Asia Pacific region. Today, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google (YouTube), TikTok, Amazon (Twitch) and Twitter have launched the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms. The first-of-its-kind Code obligates tech companies to actively reduce harmful content on their digital platforms and services in New Zealand. Netsafe has managed the development and consultation process, and from today NZTech will manage the establishment and administration of the Code.

It’s also Netsafety Week and this year’s theme is Diversity Matters – online safety done together.  Sadly, Netsafe receives more than 500 reports a week, including bullying, grooming, scams, stalking, image-based abuse and privacy breaches. It’s more important than ever for everyone to know how to stay safe online. To protect ourselves online, always check before you share, report issues and review your privacy settings. 

Currently, I’m in Wellington for our successful 7th annual Cyber Security Summit. During the next two days security, tech and business leaders will discuss the latest cyber security threats and defences. I am looking forward to the closing keynote, cyber-tech entrepreneur Andy Prow, sharing his vision for making New Zealand’s cyber streets safe to walk, plus the societal and economic impact if we get cyber right.

This event is followed by the Digital Trust Hui Taumata on Wednesday. Few topics are as critical to Aotearoa’s future prosperity and the wellbeing of its people. Trust – the lifeblood of a healthy and inclusive digital economy – is hard-earned, yet easily lost and has become a strategic priority. This gathering of business leaders, policy experts and societal groups is coming together to learn and share as we work to find the right tech balance for New Zealand.

In September, the AI Forum is showcasing AI in action at the Aotearoa AI Summit. There are still opportunities to support the 2022 Aotearoa AI Summit. Please contact Nikki for our sponsorship prospectus.  This is an ideal opportunity to connect with a highly engaged audience, connect and create new relationships.

Meanwhile, election season is upon us, so please join our online Annual General Meeting on 10 August. At our AGM I will share our plans for the coming year and Board Chair, Mitchell Pham will announce the successful candidates of the NZTech Board Elections.

Ngā mihi 

Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
 PS: Discover NZTech’s origin story and its rise as a collective impact platform in The Evolution of NZTech report.