Five tech giants, including Facebook and Google, have agreed in New Zealand code of conduct, It went into effect this Monday to take action against the posting of harmful content on its platforms. Some critics point out that this is insufficient.

Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Twitter, Google (YouTube), Tik Tok and Amazon (Twitch) reduce content linked to exploitation. In addition, publications containing sexual abuse of minors, intimidation or cyberbullying, incitement to violence or violence.

network security

Netsafe, an independent internet rights organization that developed the code of conduct, said in a statement. this is self-regulation The people will have more power. Users will be able to report harmful content with a mechanism that has not yet been established.

The code also opens the door for: multinational companies are sanctioned requires these companies to publish annual reports on the steps taken to implement it.

“The reports offer consumers the opportunity to protect their interests and the public. examine the actions taken by a company if it is not meeting the commitments imposed on it,” said Brent Carey, CEO of Netsafe.

The Netsafe administrator emphasized that this set of rules is the fastest way to reduce harmful content. New Zealand Ministry of Home Affairs still takes a year to review legislation regulating posts on social networks.

a weak attempt

The code, prepared after ten weeks of consultation with civil, government and public sector representatives, inspired by security principles digital It is practiced in Australia and the European Union, as well as in New Zealand. However, the creation of this code has drawn criticism from various digital groups such as TohatohaNZ or InternetNZ, considering it lacking a key commitment from multinational corporations.

“In our view, this is a weak attempt to circumvent regulation in New Zealand and abroad. promoting a targeted model by industry It hinders real change and the real responsibility that is needed,” Tohatoha CEO Mandy Henk told news portal Stuff.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s government forced an international initiative He called for the “Christchurch Call” to regulate hateful content on social media following the supremacist attack on two mosques in his country in March 2019. 51 people were killed and 49 injured in the attack. The perpetrator of the attack partially livestreamed the massacre on Facebook.