Understanding The Code review
We are now undertaking a review of The Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms (The Code). Section 5.5 of The Code details this requirement.
You’re welcome to comment on any aspect of The Code. However, we’d especially value your thoughts on the following topics:
- Are the values that underpin The Code still relevant today? View our values here.
- Are the current commitments the right areas of focus?
The Code’s commitments are to:
– Reduce the prevalence of harmful content online
– Empower users to have more control and make informed choices
– Enhance transparency of policies, processes and systems
– Support independent research and evaluation
- Are the measures and outcomes (detailed in Sections 4.1 – 4.4) effective ways to track progress on these commitments?
- Are there other priorities or issues The Code should address, beyond the current commitments, measures and outcomes?
- Could the governance, complaints and compliance processes (Section 5) be improved?
- The Code was originally designed for online platforms, but online safety and harm are broader issues. Should The Code be extended to cover other areas of online life? If so, what new commitments, measures and outcomes would you suggest?
These questions are to guide your thinking, but please feel free to share your feedback on any aspect of The Code.
How you can participate
- Complete our quick survey
Share your thoughts in just 10 minutes. Answer as many or as few questions as you like. - Send us your feedback
Prefer to go into more detail? Email us your written feedback or a document by 30 September 2025 so we can include it in our review. - Host a workshop with us
The Code’s Executive Director is available to run a workshop with your organisation, helping you explore The Code and develop your feedback together. We will also be inviting specific individuals and organisations to participate in this review, as required by Section 5.5, and encouraging all Code signatories to share their perspectives..
Timeline and next steps
No matter how you choose to participate, please send us your feedback by 30 September 2025. If you need more time, just let us know, extensions may be available.
After the feedback period closes, we will review all submissions and provide a summary to the Oversight Committee by 30 November 2025. The Committee will consider any changes to The Code, with updates announced by March 2026.
Contact us
If you have any questions, would like to discuss the review process, or would like to arrange a workshop, please contact Andrew Cushen, Executive Director at andrew.cushen@nztech.org.nz.
