Online safety inquiry a step forward – Labour
A new Parliamentary inquiry into online safety has reinforced growing concerns about the risks young people face on social media platforms. Labour says the report confirms that protecting children online requires stronger regulation of tech companies, greater digital literacy, and safeguards against emerging threats like deepfakes and exploitative AI apps.
Parliamentary inquiry highlights growing online safety concerns
A Select Committee inquiry into online safety tabled in Parliament today confirms Labour’s long held view that keeping young people safe online requires more than simply setting an age limit.
Educating families about algorithms and online risks
“With this report, we now have a better chance to educate and empower parents, caregivers and young people about dangers online, and help them to understand how platforms and algorithms work,” Labour technology and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said.
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Labour’s proposed online safety legislation
“My Members’ Bill on Online Safety reflects the report’s direction. It would put three clear legal duties on online service providers to ensure their platforms are safer.
Calls for stronger regulation of social media platforms
“New Zealand needs an independent regulator to make sure online platforms are safe, and to ensure social media companies can be held responsible for the harm they cause.
The emerging risks of deepfakes and AI “nudify” apps
“We also need clear rules to control deepfake technology and a ban on “nudify” apps, which pose real risks to young people’s privacy and safety.
Cross-party cooperation on protecting young people online
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work constructively with National throughout the inquiry, and now we need to work together on reforms. Keeping young people safe online is too important for political point-scoring,” Reuben Davidson said.
As digital platforms continue to shape the lives of young people, governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate technologies that evolve faster than legislation. The Select Committee’s findings highlight that protecting children online will require a combination of regulation, education and accountability for the companies that design and profit from these platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the online safety inquiry in New Zealand about?
The Parliamentary inquiry examines how New Zealand can better protect young people from harmful online content, social media risks, and emerging technologies such as deepfakes.
Why are deepfakes considered a risk?
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create realistic fake images or videos, which can be used for harassment, misinformation, or exploitation.
What are “nudify” apps?
“Nudify” apps use AI to digitally remove clothing from images, creating fake explicit content without a person’s consent, raising major privacy and safety concerns.
