What can I do about harmful posts or messages online?

General information from Lawmateanz

New Zealand's Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 covers digital communications such as posts, texts and emails that cause serious emotional distress, including harassment, threats and sharing intimate images without consent.

Netsafe (0508 638 723) is the first point of contact. It can give advice and help contact platforms or the person responsible to get content removed.

If Netsafe can't resolve it, you can apply to the District Court for orders, such as taking content down. Some conduct is also a criminal offence.

If you feel unsafe, contact Police. Keep screenshots of the content, including dates and usernames.

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