Approved Agency an important step in managing online harm
InternetNZ is pleased to see today's announcement that NetSafe will be the "Approved Agency" under the Harmful Digital
Communications Act.
"We all recognise the harm that can occur online. The challenge with this legislation has always been in providing
workable processes that mean that freedom of expression is not threatened, and that court-based remedies are rare," says
Andrew Cushen, Deputy Chief Executive of InternetNZ.
InternetNZ believes this Approved Agency will play an important role in mitigating harm online without curbing freedom
of expression through the Internet. We are also hopeful that it means court-based remedies are reduced to exceptional
cases only.
"That's why this Approved Agency announcement is important - because it provides education, timely intervention and
mediation-based processes that are essential to making this Harmful Digital Communications regime reasonable and
workable," says Cushen.
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"We are also delighted that our long-term strategic partner NetSafe has been appointed to this role. We can think of no
better team that has the skills and experience to do this job well."
InternetNZ will maintain a watching brief on this Approved Agency, and the Harmful Digital Communications regime in
general, to ensure that a vital balance between education, harm minimisation and freedom of speech is maintained.
"Today's announcement is a vital part of maintaining that balance, and it's fantastic to see the Approved Agency
provisions finally moving forward," says Cushen.
ENDS