Speaking Up on Online Harm

Yesterday (8 September), our project founder Anjum Rahman pesented an oral submission to the New Zealand Parliament’s Select Committee Inquiry into the harm young people face online.

In our submission, we emphasised that online harm is not accidental — it is often a product of platform design. Protecting young people requires systemic solutions that:

• Hold platforms accountable for harmful design choices

• Create a fit-for-purpose, independent regulator

• Take a Te Tiriti-based approach, partnering with Māori and those most impacted by harm

• Focus on prevention and rights, not just punitive measures

We also reminded the committee that while the inquiry’s focus is on youth, these issues affect all communities — and solutions must reflect that reality.