New Zealand Abandons Idea of Setting Up Internet Content Regulator
Last year, the Department of Internal Affairs proposed a mandatory code of conduct for social media platforms like Meta, X, and YouTube.
They also suggested the creation of an “independent regulator” with the authority to remove content and impose fines on major tech companies for significant breaches, a model similar to Australia’s.
A spokesperson for the Department stated that the rules would apply to all relevant companies, regardless of their registration or residency status in New Zealand.
However, she emphasized that the platforms would be subject to the codes even if they did not formally agree to them.
Traditional media would also fall under the new regulator, replacing existing self-regulatory bodies and state agencies.
Public Response Negative
Despite initial public feedback and a change in government priorities, the proposal was ultimately abandoned. A Department spokesperson confirmed this decision recently, stating that it was not a priority for the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden.
“Content regulatory reform on the scale proposed by the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms work is not a ministerial priority for the Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden,” he said.
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While the majority of individual responses were against the proposal, most organizational submissions supported it.
InternetNZ expressed disappointment over the abandonment of the proposal, highlighting their concerns about the lack of legitimacy in the current internet safety code.
Internet regulation will continue to rely on a voluntary code managed by Netsafe, involving major tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok. However, some non-profit organizations, including InternetNZ, have criticized this approach.
