New Zealand has outlawed internet trolling

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
    New Zealand has outlawed internet trolling

    New Zealand has outlawed internet trolling


    Posted: 09 Jul 2015

    New Zealand is taking a strong stand against internet bullying. Under a new bill outlawing “harmful digital communications,” the country can punish internet trolls with up to three years of jail time.
    In New Zealand, anyone who has been convicted of sending digital communications that cause “serious emotional distress” can face a fine of up to NZ$50,000 (US$33,600) or two years in jail. The penalty increases to NZ$200,000 (US$134,500) for businesses in violation of the law. Furthermore, under an amendment to New Zealand’s Crime Acts, inciting or encouraging another person to commit suicide is punishable with up to three years of prison.
    Source MSN NEWS

    This Forums member can only say: "Good job New Zealand, hopefully other countries follow!".
    Cliff S's Avatar Posted By: Cliff S
    09 Jul 2015


  1. Posts : 406
    Windows 10 21H1
       #1

    This is of course good news, however, how does one define "serious emotional distress" exactly? I mean there are clear cases at both ends of the spectrum, but where and how does one draw a line?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Thread Starter
       #2

    unifex said:
    This is of course good news, however, how does one define "serious emotional distress" exactly? I mean there are clear cases at both ends of the spectrum, but where and how does one draw a line?
    I know what you mean. There are people who react too sensitive when someone say's something thoughtlessly, but wasn't trying to be mean.

    I would also guess the law would be hard to enforce in "Real Time", but could be added to a sentence or give grounds for a sentence, sadly, after the fact, when it's too late.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #3

    Hi there

    While I applaud the principle of this I usually despair when Lawyers get involved with any sort of technology as they either totally make the wrong laws due to not understanding the technology or create a whole set of other loopholes that people previously wouldn't have known even existed.

    It's very difficult to define in legal terms that stand up in the rigour of a Court exactly what is meant by "Trolling" - although we all have some idea of what it is. Also is writing a Nasty letter for example Illegal --if that were so just think how many debt collection and other state / govt / local authorities could be taken to court for "Nasty letters" or "Threatogram" type of stuff (You know the sorts of things --"...Unless .....receive payment in 7 days ...." type of stuff etc.)

    In general it's usually best to keep Lawyers well away from anything except as an absolute last resort and just IGNORE any potential harassment.

    You also by enabling this type of legislation give Carte Blanche to the authorities to monitor EVERYBODY's Internet etc -- they have the Law saying we need to prove xxxx is a Troll and we can only do that by monitoring ALL traffic.

    I think it's bad enough giving security services power already -- giving Civil authorities even more power over this IMO is a step too far -- I think NZ -good intentions but BAD IDEA.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Thread Starter
       #4

    The nice thing about Ten Forums is John has given us tools to deal with people we as individuals feel are trolling(personal feeling, nut not quite sure). we can unsubscribe a thread, and we can "Ignore" a member.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 10,734
    Windows 11 Workstation x64
       #5

    It's been illegal here for a few years, it's not stopped me though
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 27,162
    Win11 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Thread Starter
       #6

    First song for the Sensitive eh John?
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 519
       #7

    I am becoming emotionally distressed with this thread. I think I'll sue!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 282
    Windows 10!
       #8

    Hehe, I think it's only for those extreme cases where the victim commits suicide or something. If they're still alive, then no conviction will be made.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #9

    NZ of all the countries ? Judging by some shows from NZ I have seen (i think one is called "The Force"), NZ is most lax country for punishment. For most stuff that gets sanctioned over there, in most other countries it would mean lengthy stay behind bars and/or heavy fines but in NZ a slap on a wrist or "Please don't do it again" looks like a norm.
    In any case, proving things like that is almost impossible and belongs more to civil laws than criminal.
      My Computers


 

Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:58.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums