The move is being described as one where the firms joined hands on Monday and dodged an alternative to the usual government regulations in place as they feel not enough is being done.
The Big Tech companies include the likes of TikTok, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Twitter. They’ve all reportedly put their signatures on a single document, better known as a code of practice. This news was recently confirmed by a group that deals with internet safety called Netscafe.
Netscafe has further claimed that the code would be followed religiously as an initiative toward self-regulation for all these tech giants.
It’s interesting for many to see this step make its way because the country’s citizens have been facing numerous cyber-related crimes like bullying, harassment, and even abuse when they’re online. This is why the companies claim there’s no better time to tackle the matter than now, adding how user protection would be seen as a top priority.
It was also recently highlighted how NZTech, which is a leading organization that deals as a lobby group for the tech world in New Zealand, would now be handling the meetings of these firms whose main aim is to decrease harmful content spread on the web.
NZTech would now also be responsible for making reports on how such companies act to achieve such goals, with a clear-cut and transparent evaluation of the results involved.
The group’s chief was very keen on the challenges that lay ahead for the firm while talking about how the framework should evolve with time and simultaneously respect all forms of rights to expression for New Zealand citizens.
Meanwhile, we’re hearing some statements made by social media giants TikTok and Meta recently who both claim to be super enthusiastic regarding the whole endeavor. They also shared how honored they feel toward getting one step closer to better and safer online platforms.
But with the good news does come some bad as interest groups claim they need more details about what happens if such firms fail to stick to the policy outlined. There also needs to be some sort of mechanism available to address comments or complaints being made public, they add.
Another concern being highlighted is how such pacts are getting administered by some specific giants in the tech world and not the country’s government.
Therefore, they’ve not been shy to voice their thoughts on how such code practices are weak and designed to overthrow already set regulations in the country and those seen abroad.
This is why many are showing plenty of skepticism on how it’s more related to being a model that’s solely led by the industry and no one else.
We’re not quite sure which direction the move will end up going but one thing we’ve come to learn about is that New Zealand does care about its citizens and the threatening abuse they’re facing online.
Unfortunately, the steps taken by regulatory bodies aren’t successful at curbing the issue of online hate and that’s why we’re seeing such firms take matters into their own hand.
H/T: Reuters
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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World
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