Our monthly update shines a spotlight on the great work done to inform and empower New Zealanders No images? Click here JUNE NEWSLETTER Kia ora koutou The power and the potential of Artificial Intelligence is front of mind for our team as I write this. We've just watched this sombre video from the Center for Humane Technology on The A.I. Dilemma (recorded in March 2023). And we're digesting the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms (SOSMP) reform proposal. Our landscape is ever-changing and we're preparing for a future where A.I. will impact us all in ways that have the potential to make life easier but also expose us to harms that we may not be able to comprehend today. The SOSMP reform is open for public consultation now and ends on 31 July. Information about how to make a submission is on the DIA website. We encourage anyone interested in the media content space to read and make a submission on the reform proposal. Our newsletters generally talk about topics like sex, drugs, and the media content landscape. Our aim is to have difficult conversations and shine a light on ways to reduce harm for New Zealanders. If you know someone who should receive these updates, please share our newsletter or encourage them to subscribe. Be sure to follow our socials too. Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou — Chief Censor Caroline Flora #Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether Photo caption: Deputy Chief Rupert Ablett-Hampson and Chief Censor Caroline Flora getting behind the anti-bully message to Speak Up, Stand Together, and Stop Bullying on Pink Shirt Day. ![]() New Zealanders watch out for warningsNew Zealanders want to be warned about a broader range of harmful content seen in movies, shows and video games, according to new research we've released. The national survey asked New Zealanders about their attitudes towards classification. It highlighted the public’s desire for more information about the challenging topics that are appearing on our screens. “The message we keep hearing is that people are finding it difficult to safeguard children against harmful onscreen content, especially online”, said Ms Flora. Key findings from What We’re Watching – 2023 Snapshot
Support for additional content warnings
Online safety and harmful content
Read the full press release online plus a summary of the survey findings. ![]() Safer Online Services and Media Platforms: It's time to reset the systemPublic consultation is open now for the reform of key regulations that will impact media platforms operating in New Zealand. Submissions for the ‘Safer Online Services and Media Platforms’ (SOSMP) and close on 31 July. The objectives of the review are: To achieve better consumer protection for all New Zealanders and their communities by setting safety-based outcomes and expectations for platforms. To provide better protection to children, young people and other vulnerable New Zealanders. To reduce risk and improve safety without detracting from essential rights like freedom of expression and freedom of the press. To promote a safe and inclusive content environment while remaining consistent with the principles of a free, open, and secure internet. We encourage you to check out the consultation information page. And how to give feedback through submission (closing date Monday 31 July 2023 NZT). Ka whakahuatau te rangatahi mō te ToioraYouth wellbeing insights reportThe Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released their insights report. It aims to grow our collective understanding of the systems and factors that affect rangatahi Māori and young people’s wellbeing, which in turn, influences mental health. It elevates the voices of young people and draws from their experiences and expertise. One of the key relevant findings for our mahi is that social media and digital spaces are deeply integrated into many rangatahi Māori and young people’s lives, with both benefits and harms. Young people want their online world to be safe and supportive, and platforms to be responsible for regulating and monitoring harmful material on social media. Lights, camera, classification!In May, over 400 senior media studies students from schools in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Whakatū Nelson ventured out of the classroom and into the cinema to try their hands at being film censors for a day. Georgia reports from the Censor for a Day experiences in the South Island. Read more on the blog. Cocaine Bear and free-range internet chickens Rangatahi have the ability to live like free-range chickens on the internet and can watch whatever they want, whenever they want. This is something that parents, caregivers, teachers and government organisations are constantly worried about and are trying desperately to keep them safe from. Rangatahi interpret content in different ways and the way they react or feel about it varies. So if we focus less on what they are watching and more on how they are watching and thinking about what they are watching we can learn alongside our brilliant rangatahi. Caitlin reports on the student experiences and feedback from the Censor for a Day experiences in Wellington. Read more on the blog. Why did The Idol, Season 1, Episode 1 & 2 get this rating?18: Drug use, offensive language, sex scenes, and sexual violence themes Jocelyn, a young and beautiful popstar, prepares for a come-back tour after a nervous breakdown. This series was self-rated by Neon and received an 18: Drug use, offensive language, sex scenes, and sexual violence themes. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the rating. We've also put together this impactful content guide for the show which contains spoilers and graphic detail about the most impactful sections of the first two episodes. Why did Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse get this rating?PG: Violence and coarse language Miles Morales travels through different dimensions and meets a team of Spider-People who are responsible for keeping the Multiverse safe. However, a new threat to the Multiverse forces Miles to figure out what it truly means to be a hero. This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body and received a PG: Violence and coarse language. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the rating. Why did the game Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun get this classification?R13: Bloody violenceWarhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a fast-paced and fun, but quite violent, first-person shooter with arena-style combat and retro visuals. Play as a heavily-armoured Space Marine slaying heretics in the name of the Emperor. This game was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office and received an R13: Bloody violence and content that may disturb. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the classification for this game. Why did Strays get this classification?R16: Offensive language, drug use and sexual content that may offendAbandoned dog Reggie (Will Ferrell) wants to get home to his abusive owner. When he meets Bug (Jamie Foxx), a tough-talking stray, he is convinced that his life may not have been as ideal as he thought and his quest changes to one of revenge. This buddy comedy was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office with representation from our Youth Advisory Panel and received an R16: Offensive language, drug use and sexual content that may offend. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the classification. ![]() Because our work involves a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we consume a lot of media in the office. Here are just a few of the things we’ve found relevant and informative over the past month. Take a break with these media lunch items. Sold for sex: 15 year old exploited in Aotearoa speaks out (1News) RIP Metaverse (Insider) Kiwi classification: Do you really know what your kids are watching? (Stuff) Extremism Finds Fertile Ground in Chat Rooms for Gamers (The New York Times)
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