When Safety Becomes Policy Who Guards Freedom Of Speech - Dr David Harvey & Douglas Brown

We explore who gets to set the rules for online speech in New Zealand, from InternetNZ’s direction shift to the Broadcasting Standards Authority’s expanding remit. Dr David Harvey and Douglas Brown argue for reforms that protect freedom of expression while still addressing real online harm. • what InternetNZ controls through the .nz domain and why that power matters • the post-Christchurch Call shift toward a “safe internet” narrative and why “safe” is hard to define • mission creep risks when unelected bodies expand into speech regulation • a proposed Media and Communications Authority with three divisions for news, content, and online harm • voluntary opt-in regulation backed by incentives such as journalist protections and safe harbour • why harm should be evidence-based rather than offence-based • governments and the urge to control the message across every new communications platform • the under-16 social media ban debate including enforcement problems, VPN workarounds, and privacy trade-offs • why overseas platforms can ignore local rules and what targeting jurisdiction might look like • how to support a stronger free speech voice in InternetNZ board elections through membership timing If you enjoyed this episode please

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When Safety Becomes Policy Who Guards Freedom Of Speech - Dr David Harvey & Douglas Brown is an episode from Free Speech Union's Podcast by Free Speech Union.

This episode is 58:06 long.

This episode was published on Apr 20, 2026.

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