Where is NZ policy at currently?

New Zealand currently lacks a systemic, child-centred approach to online harm. To date, online safety policy has been slow, fragmented and stagnant in NZ. It has also, sadly, been impacted by political ideology. Our kids face the impact of this. For over a decade, successive NZ Governments have largely taken a "watch and wait" approach - observing global action without leading our own. The Safer Online Services and Media Platforms (SOSMP) review aimed to change this, but was scrapped by the 6th National-led Coalition Government in 2024.

The SOSMP draft framework aimed to update New Zealand’s outdated, pre-internet regulations.

  • Over 50% of submissions were broadly supportive β€” including Meta, Google, Microsoft, X Corp, Reddit, TikTok

  • Key organisations like the Classifications Office, and Netsafe acknowledged the need for regulatory change. 

  • Around 40% of submitters did not take a clear position.

  • Only 10% were opposed.

Despite this, the reform effort was dropped by the current National Coalition Government, with Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden (ACT), citing concerns about freedom of expression.

In 2024, a DIA spokesperson told media,
β€œContent regulatory reform of the scale proposed by the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms work is not a ministerial priority for the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden.”

New Zealand now has no clear regulatory framework to address the rising scale of digital harm to children.

The current National led Coalition Government have initiated an Inquiry into Online Harm in 2025, with Minister Erica Stanford leading a piece of work looking at online regulation. Cabinet had 60 days to respond to the Select Committee recommendations in March 2026. As of August 2026, no announcement has been made.

Meanwhile, NZ children are continuing to be harmed online at rapid rates, particularly in the area of online sexual harm, (exploitation, grooming, self-generated CSAM creation, exposure to sexual content, illegal content and restricted content such as pornography).

We need a cross-agency, whole-of-society approach to online harm prevention, with Government, industry, providers, schools and communities working together to address the issues our kids face online. We all have a role to play.

Urgent action is needed.

Drawing on international best practice, we recommend:

  • A National Strategy for Online Child Safety
    A whole-of-government plan to prevent harm, coordinate action, and promote child rights online.

  • An Online Children’s Safety Act
    The Act would establish a clear legal framework for online child protection, setting mandatory safety standards for digital platforms, internet service providers, and device manufacturers, while ensuring accountability in the digital space (WeProtect Global Alliance, 2024). Targeted regulation to protect children and tackle illegal content is neededβ€” without undermining free speech. Free speech groups have indicated support for focused protections on child safety, provided overreach is avoided.

  • A Safer Internet Agency and Online Children’s Commissioner
    An independent agency empowered to lead, set standards, and drive action β€” with strong accountability mechanisms.

    Giving the agency authority to investigate, enforce safety standards, require transparency from tech platforms, and handle complaints.

  • A Future-Focused Vision
    Legislation and policy need to be agile moving beyond reactive measures towards a long-term roadmap for safer digital environments.

  • Invest in research and education

    We must act now to protect the next generation - with bold leadership, strong regulation, and a clear child-first approach.