New cyber-law research centre to study Harmful Digital Communications Act

The New Zealand Centre for ICT Law is scheduled to open at the University of Auckland in July 2016. The Centre will research the impact electronic technology has on the law.

The first project of the new Centre will be examining the Harmful Digital Communications Act. In the first year since the legislation was implemented, 38 cases have come before the courts.

Retiring district court Judge David Harvey will be the Centre's Director. Mr Harvey said "A number of cases have involved posting intimate photographs and intimate videos online with the intention of harming somebody else. The number of occasions on which that has occurred is surprising."

He also said "I think the level of anger that is expressed or at least the intensity of the language - hate speech - is also a matter of concern."

The Harmful Digital Communications Act seeks to address damaging online communications and online harassment by providing solutions for victims and holding perpetrators accountable. This includes revenge porn as well digital stalking, child sex offending, cyber bullying and other forms of damaging communications. 

NetSafe was recently appointed as the key agency under the Act to provide support for victims, help to resolve complaints and provide online safety advice.

For more information, see the Clearinghouse collated research and resources to support people experiencing digital stalking.