Online Harm & Harassment in NZ — HDCA (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 (HDCA) tackles serious online harm — threats, harassment, intimate-image abuse, and grossly offensive or false communications. It's built around 10 communication principles (s 6) and a fast, mostly free complaints route through Netsafe, the Act's approved agency.
Netsafe can work with platforms to get harmful content removed. If that doesn't resolve it, you can apply to the District Court for orders — for example, to take down content, stop the behaviour, or reveal the identity of an anonymous poster. Causing serious emotional distress with a harmful digital communication can also be a criminal offence (s 22). Posting intimate images without consent is specifically covered. For self-help with intimate images, StopNCII.org (18+) and NCMEC's Take It Down (under-18) can hash-block images across major platforms.
When does it apply?
- You're being harassed, threatened, or defamed online.
- Intimate images of you were shared without consent.
- Harmful content about you needs to be removed.
What to do about online harm or harassment
- Report to Netsafe (0508 638 723) — the approved agency.
- Save evidence (screenshots, URLs, dates) before content is deleted.
- Use StopNCII.org / Take It Down for intimate images.
- Apply to the District Court for takedown or other orders if needed; call 111 if you're in danger.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't retaliate in kind — it can complicate your case.
- Don't delete the evidence — you'll need it.
- Don't assume nothing can be done about anonymous posters — the court can order disclosure.
About Scams & Fraud Recovery in New Zealand
If you've been scammed in New Zealand, act fast — the first hours matter most. Report fraud to NZ Police (111 emergency / 105 non-emergency and online reporting), contact your bank immediately to try to stop or recover funds, and use Netsafe for online harm. Scams are crimes under the Crimes Act 1961 (obtaining by deception, s 240) and the Fair Trading Act 1986; online harm is covered by the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. Investment scams go to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
Police: 111 / 105. Netsafe: 0508 638 723. Report spam texts to 7726.
Common Questions
What is the online harm and harassment right in New Zealand?
The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 (HDCA) tackles serious online harm — threats, harassment, intimate-image abuse, and grossly offensive or false communications. It's built around 10 communication principles (s 6) and a fast, mostly free complaints route through Netsafe, the Act's approved agency.Netsafe can work with platforms to get harmful content removed. If that doesn't resolve it, you can apply to the District Court for orders — for example, to take down content, stop the behaviour, or reveal the identity of an anonymous poster. Causing serious emotional distress with a harmful...
When does it apply — online harm and harassment?
You're being harassed, threatened, or defamed online.Intimate images of you were shared without consent.Harmful content about you needs to be removed.
What can I do about online harassment in New Zealand?
Report to Netsafe (0508 638 723) — the approved agency.Save evidence (screenshots, URLs, dates) before content is deleted.Use StopNCII.org / Take It Down for intimate images.Apply to the District Court for takedown or other orders if needed; call 111 if you're in danger.
What should you NOT do — online harm and harassment?
Don't retaliate in kind — it can complicate your case.Don't delete the evidence — you'll need it.Don't assume nothing can be done about anonymous posters — the court can order disclosure.