Netsafe stories

New Zealand urged to enact AI safety laws as deepfake sexual images surge, amid warnings it can no longer rely on tech firms’ goodwill.

A sexual assault survivor says she feels re‑victimised and furious after the Manage My Health hack and US$60,000 ransom demand.

New Zealand’s AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.

AI-driven scams are posing a growing threat to New Zealand shoppers this Black Friday, as fraudsters create realistic fake websites to trick consumers.

AI could boost New Zealand's economy by NZD $36 billion, as Google advances digital infrastructure with the Honomoana subsea cable and AI initiatives.

Headspace Invaders, a free interactive platform, helps Kiwis aged 12-16 tackle online harm through games teaching resilience and critical thinking.

New Zealand’s government forms 'Anti-Scam Alliance' with banks, police and tech firms to tackle online scams through real-time data sharing.

Half of New Zealanders feel overwhelmed by digital notifications, with social media and emails disrupting wellbeing and productivity, finds 2degrees research.

New Zealand's proposed law to criminalise stalking and cyberstalking faces delays, as experts warn citizens to take proactive steps to secure their digital privacy.

Netsafe and Sticks 'n Stones have formed a strategic partnership to combat bullying and improve digital wellbeing for young people across New Zealand.

Netsafe warns New Zealanders of rising online shopping scams as the summer sales surge, with losses exceeding NZD $2.3 billion this year.

Netsafe's Annual Report reveals a sharp rise in online threats in New Zealand, urging urgent reforms to the Harmful Digital Communications Act.

Netsafe has formed a partnership with EduSpark to enhance online safety education across Asia, targeting issues like cyberbullying and misinformation.

A report reveals that digital scams cost New Zealanders over NZD $2.3 billion in 2024, with online shopping scams now the most prevalent.

Netsafe's Contact Centre wins top award for the second year in a row, with Caitlin honoured as Most Outstanding Customer Service Representative.

Netsafe launches the Snapchat Family Toolkit, designed to help New Zealand parents ensure safer social media use for teens.

New research from the Classification Office and Netsafe reveals online content’s dual role in shaping young New Zealanders' body image.

The Ministry of Justice's latest crime survey reveals a surge in online fraud, highlighting an urgent need for a coordinated multi-agency response, says Netsafe.

Netsafe relaunches Re:Scam.org with advanced AI to combat scammers, as NZ's annual scam costs hit NZD $2 billion.

In a pioneering move to protect children online, Netsafe has launched 'Hector's World', a bilingual series teaching internet safety to kids aged 5-10 in England and Te Reo Māori.