On Monday, ig tech giants agreed to limit harmful online content in New Zealand, avoiding the option of government regulation, according to opponents.
According to Netsafe, a government-funded internet-safety organization, Meta Platforms Inc (META.O), Alphabet-owned Google (GOOGL.O), TikTok, Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), and Twitter (TWTR.N) have signed a code of practice.
Netsafe CEO Brent Carey stated that the companies would adopt the code as self-regulation.
“Too many Kiwis are being bullied, harassed, and mistreated online, which is why the industry has united to protect users,” Carey said in a statement.
NZTech, an industry lobbying group, will ensure that companies achieve their duties, which include decreasing harmful information online, reporting on how they do so, and enabling independent review of results.
“We hope the governance framework will enable it to evolve alongside local conditions, while at the same time respecting the fundamental rights of freedom of expression,” said NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller.
In remarks, Meta and TikTok expressed their support for the code that will make online platforms safer and more open.
However, interest groups want more information, such as sanctions for corporations that fail to comply and a system for public complaints. They further point out that the accord is governed by an industry body rather than the government.
“This is a poor attempt to anticipate regulation – in New Zealand and elsewhere – by supporting an industry-led model,” said Mandy Henk, chief executive of Tohatoha NZ, a non-profit organization that advocates for the social effect of technology.
The firm’s framework is known as the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms.
New Zealand has been a pioneer in the fight against violent extremism online. In 2019, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron launched a global movement to combat internet hatred.
