Online safety recognized as a priority in new MoU

[originally released on 25 November, 2018]

The Domain Name Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have today announced an agreement to work together to prevent and minimise behaviours threatening a safe, secure and trusted .nz online environment.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, information such as domain name registration, electronic messaging compliance and online restricted publications may be shared between both parties. This will help to prevent negative impacts for online New Zealand.

Domain Name Commissioner, Brent Carey says networks and alliances are very important for oversight agencies and for the safety and security of the internet in general.

"The Domain Name Commission has a role to help keep New Zealanders and their .nz domains safe, says Carey.

"Online safety is top of mind for many New Zealanders as we spend more and more of our time connected to the Internet. Cooperative efforts will allow us to manage a safer online .nz."

Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Safety Director Jolene Armadoros says, "the DNC’s knowledge and expertise of the .nz environment is critical to our goal of helping keep New Zealanders safe online.

"Working closely with the DNC helps us identify, disrupt and remove harmful content that targets New Zealanders or abuses our trusted online environment."

Both organisations share the view that the MOU will result in significant achievements over the next few years in the sphere of trust and confidence and good compliance approaches.

A copy of the MoU is available on the Domain Name Commission website.

ENDS