The Free Speech Coalition's calling for the Harmful Digital Communications Act to be scrapped.

This follows Sir Ray Avery’s use of the cyber bullying laws to attempt to shut down media reports on matters of public interest.

The inventor has complained to Netsafe about articles published by website Newsroom during the debate around his planned concert at Eden Park.

Sir Ray alleges that the reports caused him emotional distress and amount to a form of "digital harm".

However, the law was introduced more with the view of stopping cyber bullying and revenge porn, not news articles.

Coalition spokesman Dr David Cumin says it demonstrates how this well-intended legislation can be used against legitimate speech and changes need to be made.

"Unfortunately sometimes there needs to be an incident for there to be action. I think there needs to be a very careful review of the act, and if it can't be salvaged it needs to be scrapped."

The reports on Newsroom investigated Sir Ray's LifePod that he was seeking funding for through the scrapped Eden Park concert.