The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) welcomes the Education and Workforce Select Committee’s final report on its Inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online, and the roles that Government, business, and society should play in addressing those harms.

NCWNZ made a submission to the inquiry, and we are pleased to see many of its recommendations reflected in the final report. This includes the need for:

• Stronger regulation of online platforms, overseen by an independent media regulator
• Algorithmic transparency requirements
• Investment in New Zealand-based research and education programmes
• Strengthening liability for online harm
• A review of current laws to close the gaps that leave New Zealanders unprotected.

Online technologies are increasingly being weaponised against individuals and communities. Many New Zealanders – particularly women and those with a public profile – face escalating online abuse, including targeted harassment, dangerous disinformation, sexual threats, and death threats. These occur both publicly and through unsolicited messages. Too often, technology companies fail to respond meaningfully to complaints, creating a chilling effect on individuals’ human rights and impacting their health, safety and wellbeing.

NCWNZ was referenced in the Committee’s interim report, which pointed out major weaknesses in New Zealand’s current laws. The report noted that our system can only address online content piece-by-piece and that responsibility is spread across multiple regulators. These agencies do not have the modern powers or tools needed to tackle online harm at a broader, system-wide level.

The consequences of online harm extend far beyond the digital environment. These harms can escalate into offline violence, contribute to violent extremism, and discourage participation in public life, including running for political office or working in the media. International and national evidence shows academics, researchers, scientists, and public officials are also frequent targets of coordinated online abuse and disinformation, says Eva Hartshorn-Sanders Convenor of the Online Safety Coalition, led by NCWNZ.

These issues are intensified by the absence of New Zealand laws requiring Big Tech platforms to be transparent and accountable. Every day, New Zealanders encounter illegal or harmful content online, yet there are few effective tools to respond to it. With rapid advances in technology – including generative AI, deepfakes, and targeted digital violence - risks are growing faster than current systems can address. New Zealand’s laws and regulatory settings are now outdated and insufficient to protect young people and communities.

The final report clearly shows the need for a reset – with safety prioritised. In other countries such as the UK, EU and Australia, platforms must check for risks, explain how their algorithms work, and offer simple, effective ways for people to make complaints. New Zealanders deserve the same safety standards. NCWNZ congratulates the committee on their comprehensive report, responsive to community needs, and calls for cross-party support for implementing its key recommendations.

Background:

• Internet NZ research: 2025 report – How New Zealanders experience the Internet, The World Internet Project Report in New Zealand 2025
• Committee Final and Interim Reports