We are committed to reducing the risk of online content that may cause harm to New Zealanders.
Currently only the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Online Safety and Harms has a formal complaints process. Please review the following prior to making a complaint to ensure you have followed all necessary steps.
Online Safety Code Complaints.
The Online Safety Code Complaints Policy details the types of complaints that can be investigated. It includes the aim and scope of the complaints process and the role of the Oversight Committee.
Lodge a Complaint
If you would like to make a complaint against a Signatory of the Online Safety Code please use this form.
How to Submit a Complaint
Does your complaint relate to an individual item content? If so, please use the Signatories’ reporting mechanisms.
If you would like to report a breach of the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms, please complete this form.
Before lodging your complaint, please ensure you’re eligible, nominate the Signatory and specific breach, providing relevant correspondence and documentation. Please complete all sections of the form including the declaration that all information you have provided is true and correct.
Online Scams Code Complaints.
There is currently no formal policy for complaints in the New Zealand Online Scams Code.
How to Submit a Complaint
Please use the Signatories’ reporting mechanisms to submit a complaint to them directly.
Lodge a Complaint
If you would like to make a complaint against a Signatory of the Online Scams Code please lodge your complaint via our Contact Us process.
REPORTING HARMFUL CONTENT
Here are some other organisations who can help you.
Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs investigates complaints, enforces compliance with labelling requirements, seizes objectionable material and monitors websites. Report harmful content here.
Privacy Commisioner
The Privacy Commissioner’s role is to decide if there’s been a breach of the Privacy Act and help both the groups come to a decision. If you haven’t been able to work out your privacy issue with the business or organisation you complained to, then you can complain to the Privacy Commissioner. Make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner here.
Netsafe
Netsafe helps people and schools in New Zealand experiencing harmful content online. Their service is free and confidential and they provide specialist online incident advice. Report harmful content here.
CERT NZ
CERT NZ works to support businesses, organisations and individuals who are affected (or may be affected) by cyber security incidents. They provide trusted and authoritative information and advice, while also collating a profile of the threat landscape in New Zealand. You can their our online tool to report any cyber security issue you are experiencing – they’ll help you identify it and let you know what the next steps are to resolve it. Report an issue here.
Classification Office
The Classification Office helps people in Aotearoa make decisions about what to watch, play and read. They don’t exist to suppress voices but instead, when necessary, reduce harm. The Classification Act guides them on their journey, walking this fine line. If you have a question about classification, or you’re concerned about a rating you’ve seen, contact the Classification Office here.
New Zealand Police
Police have the power to seize publications and investigate illegal activity, including activities involving the sexual exploitation of children and sharing illegal content. Contact Police here.