Computer technology
Computer-based material comes under the definition of publication in the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993:
d) a thing (including, but not limited to, a disc, or an electronic or computer file) on which is recorded or stored information that, by the use of a computer or other electronic device, is capable of being reproduced or shown as 1 or more (or a combination of 1 or more) images, representations, signs, statements, or words.
In practice, such things as print-outs of a webpage, images, moving images or files from a website, emails and chatlogs can be classified, as can this type of material stored on a cellphone.
Watch former Chief Censor Bill Hastings explain how the classification law applies to computer technology (0:42)
Embedded YouTube video:
Read a transcript of this video
A thing, including but not limited to, a disc or an electronic or computer file (this is our internet clause – this is the digital era), on which is record or stored information that, by the use of a computer or other electronic device such as a cellphone is capable of being reproduced or shown as a word, statement, sign, picture, or whatever. This is how we get emails into the office. This is how we get jpegs, mpegs, text files. Last year we even had some MSN messenger logs come into the office.
- Former Chief Censor Bill Hastings
Censoring the internet
Many people access and distribute media, such as films, through the internet. While New Zealand law cannot apply all over the world, it does apply to websites and downloaded files in New Zealand.
Social networking and censorship
Most social networking sites (such as MySpace, Bebo and Facebook) have their own Terms of Service which regulate the content people put on them. However, if a site is hosted in New Zealand or if people are downloading things from overseas sites to their computers in New Zealand, then New Zealand classification law applies.
