The Code receives international praise from the
World Economic Forum (WEF).
The WEF has
recognised New Zealand’s new industry led online safety
code for “boosting accountability, and improving
collaboration between technology platforms, government, and
civil society” in its latest digital safety insight
report.
Launched last year, as a global first, the
Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and
Harms commits technology companies such as Google (YouTube),
Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Twitch, and Twitter
to reducing the risk of harmful online
content.
“NZTech, which maintains the Code, is proud
to see this world first initiative held up on the global
stage. It’s not the total solution, but a big step forward
in dealing with harmful online content, led by a multi
stakeholder group,” says NZTech Chief Executive Graeme
Muller.
“The report says the Code aligns with
WEF’s risk assessment framework by having clear
requirements to identify risk, reduce risk and mitigate
harm.
“WEF also praises the Code for facilitating
accountability through transparency reporting – a
principle at the heart of the Code,” says
Muller.
The Code commits signatories to a set of
Guiding Principles and Commitments that aim to mitigate the
risks and reduce the prevalence of harmful content in seven
areas:
- child sexual exploitation and
abuse - bullying or
harassment - hate
speech - incitement of
violence - violent or graphic
content - misinformation
- disinformation
The
development of the Code was led by Netsafe and has already
attracted international attention since its
launch.
“The Code is a positive example of what can
be achieved when we work together. The fact that WEF has
identified that collaboration and also noted the positive
potential of the self-regulatory model is a great
outcome.
“The intention and development of the Code
brings a uniquely New Zealand flavour to some universally
understood principles. The Code is encapsulated by Mahi tahi
(solidarity), kauhanganuitanga (balance), mana tangata
(humanity), and mana (respect). Together, they are critical
and necessary to realising the purpose and aspirations of
the Code,” says Netsafe Chief Executive Brent
Carey.
Oversight Committee members
announced
“Today, NZTech is also announcing the
members of the Code’s Oversight Committee, a group of
people to bring a wide range of skills from diverse
backgrounds that will be vital to ensuring the success of
the Code,” says Muller.
The Code’s aim is to
ultimately help create a safer online experience for Kiwis
by enabling industry to build cohesion and process
improvements around addressing online safety and harm
concerns. It creates a complaint mechanism, sanctions
regime, reporting and independent review
functions.
NZTech is an NGO funded by over 1,000
member organisations that are working to help create a more
equitable, sustainable and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand
underpinned by good
technology.
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