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Netsafe support amendment to Harmful Digital Comms Act

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Jun 2021, 8:40AM
(Photo / File)
(Photo / File)

Netsafe support amendment to Harmful Digital Comms Act

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Jun 2021, 8:40AM

Proposed changes to the Harmful Digital Communications Act could improve the success rate for prosecution.

Former National candidate Jake Bezzant allegedly shared explicit photos of his ex, and pretended to be her during cybersex.

He wouldn't face charges under the Act, as a person only commits a criminal offence if they intended to cause harm when posting.

An amendment, brought forward by Labour MP Louisa Wall, would remove the intent requirement.

Netsafe chief executive Martin Cocker told Mike Hosking that would remove a barrier to prosecution.

“The complexity of anything that happens online does mean, often, that we see victims of an offence turned away at the first instance by law enforcement.”

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