NZTech Submission: Protecting Young New Zealanders Online Through Evidence-Based Solutions

Submission by NZTech to the Education and Workforce Committee

NZTech has submitted its response to the parliamentary inquiry into harm young New Zealanders encounter online, advocating for targeted legislative improvements rather than blanket restrictions whilst highlighting the tech sector’s proactive role in creating safer online environments.

Key Position

NZTech supports the inquiry’s intent to create safe online experiences for all New Zealanders and acknowledges the real harms young people face online. However, the organisation advocates for evidence-based solutions that modify existing legislation rather than introducing age-based bans, which have proven unsuccessful overseas.

Recommended Approach

NZTech proposes strengthening current frameworks, particularly:

• Enhancing the Digital Harm and Exploitation Act rather than creating new restrictions
• Learning from successful international examples, including U.S. and Australian measures targeting user-generated content and sexually explicit material
• Exempting the game development industry due to lower risk profiles and existing robust regulations
• Supporting targeted legislation like MP Laura McClure’s Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill

Industry Leadership in Action

The submission highlights NZTech’s proactive approach through the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms, launched with Netsafe in 2022. This groundbreaking initiative has secured commitments from major platforms including Meta, Google, TikTok, Twitch, and X to reduce harmful content across seven key areas:

• Child sexual exploitation and abuse
• Bullying or harassment
• Hate speech and incitement of violence
• Violent or graphic content
• Misinformation and disinformation

Global Best Practice

At launch, New Zealand became the first jurisdiction globally where social media platforms committed to a voluntary Code of Practice with independent oversight, regular reporting, and accountability mechanisms. The Code requires signatories to reduce harmful content prevalence, empower user control, enhance transparency, and support independent research.

The Bigger Picture

As New Zealand’s largest technology industry body representing over 2,500 members who employ 10 per cent of the workforce, NZTech brings significant expertise to this critical issue. The tech sector contributes approximately $24 billion to GDP and represents New Zealand’s third-largest export industry, with members actively engaged in international child protection efforts including the WeProtect Global Alliance.

Moving Forward

NZTech’s submission demonstrates the tech sector’s commitment to collaborative solutions that protect young New Zealanders whilst preserving the benefits of digital connectivity. The organisation stands ready to facilitate ongoing engagement between the Committee and industry experts to ensure evidence-based policy development.