Additional funding to assist the prevention of online harm 24 hours a day

What is the topic?

This petition asks the New Zealand Government to provide extra funding for Netsafe (or a similar organization) to offer 24-hour support for online safety. Currently, Netsafe is the primary government-funded organization that helps people deal with online issues like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and scams. The petition argues that because these problems happen at all times, human support should be available around the clock, not just during standard business hours.

Current situation in New Zealand

Netsafe currently operates a helpline primarily during business days and hours. While it provides resources and reporting tools online, direct human assistance is limited to specific times. The petitioners argue that this gap leaves people vulnerable during nights, weekends, and public holidays. Online threats, particularly financial scams and cyberbullying, do not follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Scammers often operate from overseas, meaning their activity peaks at different times than New Zealand business hours.

Arguments in favour

• Immediate Intervention: Early support can stop harm from escalating. For example, quick advice can help a victim of a scam recover funds or secure their accounts before more damage is done.
• Equity of Access: Not everyone can seek help during weekday business hours. Students, shift workers, and caregivers may only be able to reach out outside these times.
• 24/7 Threat Landscape: Cyberbullying and scams occur continuously. A 24-hour service matches the reality of the digital environment.

Arguments against or challenges

• Cost: Operating a 24-hour human staffed service is significantly more expensive than a business-hours model. The Government must balance this against other budget priorities.
• Effectiveness of Automation: Critics might argue that automated systems, AI chatbots, or self-service reporting tools can handle many initial queries at any time without the high cost of round-the-clock human staff.
• Scope of Responsibility: Some argue that preventing scams is primarily the responsibility of banks, telecoms, and international law enforcement, rather than a domestic safety helpline.

Relevant Context

Online safety is a growing concern in New Zealand. According to recent reports from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and Commerce Commission, the volume of reported scams and online harms has risen sharply in recent years. Existing laws, such as the Privacy Act 2020 and the Crimes Act 1961, provide legal frameworks for dealing with online misconduct, but immediate practical support for victims is often fragmented. The petition specifically targets the gap between the constant nature of online threats and the limited hours of current government-funded support services.

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