Source: Radio New Zealand
National’s committee lead on an inquiry into social media harm for young people, Carl Bates. VNP/Louis Collins
A human rights organisation is backing calls for the government to set up an independent regulator for online safety.
A parliamentary select committee on Thursday released its report following an inquiry into social media harm for young people.
Among its recommendations to the government and the private sector was a ban on social media for under-16s, the creation of a national regulator to ensure platforms were safe, and regulating deepfake technology.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Lisa Woods said it was vital there was a watchdog in place.
“It’s really important that we’ve got a regulator that is continually monitoring what’s happening, continually monitoring ‘do we have the right laws in place? Are they effective, or do they need to be changed’.”
Woods said it was critical any regulator would need to be able to impose penalties against social media companies for it to be effective.
The New Zealand government had explored options of a social media ban after Australia implemented one, with National keen to progress with one before the end of this term.
Woods said Amnesty International New Zealand opposed a social media ban for under-16-year-olds, because it did not address the root causes of harm.
“Platforms are being designed to promote content that drives engagement, regardless of harmful effects, so just removing someone from social media, is not taking care of platform design.”
Woods said banning social media for young people placed the burden of safety on young people and parents while allowing platforms to continue their business models.
National’s committee lead on the inquiry Carl Bates said the committee’s report was a step towards “ïmportant, timely action”, and that lead Minister Erica Stanford would now consider the recommendations.
He said the report made clear the harm young New Zealanders were facing from online platforms was “significant”, “fast-moving” and occurring on a global scale.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
