Download Weekly: Internet bill introduced to Parliament

Aims to tackle extreme, violent content

A government bill introduced in Parliament this week aims to tackle extremist content. The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Bill introduces new criminal offences and hands power to a chief censor who can make immediate decisions on blocking offensive content.

More controversially the bill allows the government to create and deploy internet filters.

Much of the bill is similar to the proposal first tabled in Cabinet last December by Tracey Martin. Martin is the Internal Affairs Minister. The bill aims to update the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 in the light of the live-streaming of last year’s terror attack in Christchurch.

Objectionable livestreams

The bill applies to the people or organisations that film and livestream the objectionable content. It does not seek to punish hosts or carriers who provide the infrastructure used to distribute the content.

Yet carriers and hosts will need to acknowledge government imposed take-down notices. This includes removing links to objectionable content. Failure to do so could result in civil action and fines.

One controversial proposal is that the legislation will allow the Department of Internal Affairs to create internet filters. The DIA must consult with internet service providers before launching a filter.

Opposition

InternetNZ is opposing the filter plan. In a media statement CEO Jordan Carter says there can be dangerous side effects from a filter.

He also says: "The proposed filters would work at the network level, in a way that is a mile wide and a millimetre deep.

“People who want to get around these filters can easily do so by using a VPN, technology that many Kiwis have been using when working from home recently.”

Tristan Gilbertson appointed as new Telecommunications Commissioner

Former Spark in-house lawyer Tristan Gilbertson is the new Telecommunications Commissioner. He has also worked for Vodafone Group and Digicel.

Gilbertson takes over from Dr Stephen Gale on June 8. He has been appointed for five years.

Sky TV rights issue on target

Sky says institutional investors signed up for more than the $119 million shares made available. This puts it on target for the $157 million the company was looking for. The remaining $38 million is being offered to retail investors.

Chief executive Martin Stewart says: “The proceeds will help ensure Sky is well capitalised to withstand the impacts of Covid–19 and positioned to execute on future growth opportunities once conditions improve.”

Spark earmarks $625,000 for 5G projects

Spark has rebooted its 5G Starter Fund and tipped in more cash. There is now a pool of $625 million. The money will go to up to four local companies who step forward with 5G application projects that support the economic recovery. The fund was first launched in March, but put on hold because of the pandemic.

Trustpower hits 100,000 broadband customer milestone

Power and broadband retailer Trustpower says it increased broadband customer numbers eight percent in the financial year that ended on March 31. It now has 104,000, taking it past the 100,000 milestone. Telecommunications revenue climbed from $88 million to $98 million during the year, a rise of 11 percent.

The company lists the launch of a wireless broadband service and adding a mobile capability among the 2020 highlights.

Hawaiki joins Pacific broadband group

Hawaiki Submarine Cable has formed an alliance with the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and American Samoa Hawaii Cable. The goal is to deliver faster broadband to American Samoa, Samoa, French Polynesia and other nations in the region.