Final report into youth harm online released by select committee

The final Select Committee report on the inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online has been released today, says National’s Committee Lead on the Inquiry, Carl Bates.

“The report makes clear that the harm young New Zealanders are facing from online platforms is significant. It is fast-moving and occurring on a global scale.

“As a result, the Committee makes a list of recommendations to the Government and private sector for greater regulation, an independent regulator for online safety and the banning of apps that create and distribute non-consensual deepfake imagery.

“New Zealand should be a ‘fast-follower’ in this space as opposed to a ‘first mover.’ As is outlined in the report, both lagging behind other countries and trying to be unique in our approach could result in less effective outcomes for our young people.

“This is a step towards important, timely action. These recommendations will now be considered by lead Minister Erica Stanford. I look forward to continuing to work on ways to better protect Kiwi kids and their families from online harm.

“I want to thank my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee for their work on this inquiry, and to all of those who submitted.