Why Are Some Websites Blocked In New Zealand?

Saturday, 21 September 2024, 2:41 pm
Article: Hugh Grant

If you’ve ever tried to access a website in New Zealand and found it blocked, you might wonder why.

There are several reasons why some websites are blocked in the country – sometimes it’s because of government regulations (things like illegal content or copyright infringement), and other times it’s to protect the public from toxic, harmful and inappropriate content.

Some are blocked by internet service providers (ISPs) for security reasons (malware sites).

Knowing why these blocks are in place will help you navigate the internet safely and be informed about online rules in New Zealand.

Government Regulations and Policies

In Aotearoa, there are many government regulations and policies regarding website blocking. The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 is one of the main laws around internet censorship.

This law makes it illegal to distribute or access objectionable content like child exploitation, extreme violence or terrorism.

The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 is another big law that prevents cyberbullying and online harassment by allowing the removal of harmful digital content.

The Copyright Act 1994 is also used to block websites that host or distribute copyrighted content illegally.

These are enforced by government agencies like the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), which works with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to that content.

Types of Blocked Content

In some countries like our gorgeous Aotearoa, some content gets restricted or blocked to protect citizens or comply with legal requirements.

The most common types of content blocked are websites that distribute illegal content. Websites that host pirated movies, software or music that breach copyright are also blocked.

Websites that contain harmful or offensive content like hate speech, extremist ideologies or violence are also often restricted.

That’s how our government keeps the internet safe and legal for Kiwis – but what’s the line between censorship and free speech?

How to Unblock Websites in New Zealand

Many websites are blocked in Aotearoa for legal and safety reasons, but there are ways to get around restrictions when it comes to georestricted or geoblocked websites.

Here are some ways to access georestricted content:

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): This tool connects you to the internet through servers in different countries, so if you pick an Australian VPN, for instance, you can access content that's only available there and not in NZ.
• Proxy Servers: Proxies act as go-betweens for your device and the websites you visit. By masking your real IP address, they make it appear like you’re browsing from a different place, helping you to bypass certain online blocks.
• TOR Networks: The TOR network routes your internet traffic through multiple servers worldwide, providing anonymity and potentially unblocking websites. It’s more complicated, but offers more privacy and security.
• Smart DNS Services: Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS services don’t encrypt your data, but change your DNS settings to make it look like you’re accessing content from another region. This can occasionally be faster than using a VPN for streaming services.
• Browser Extensions: Some browsers have extensions that can help unblock certain restrictions by connecting to a server in a different country. However, these may have limitations compared to a full VPN service.

But, remember – it’s important to note that this is for accessing georestricted content for services you pay for (such as Netflix and other streaming services), not illegal content. Illegal and harmful content will be blocked regardless.

Conclusion

So, what’s the easy explanation as to why some websites are blocked in NZ?

Websites can be blocked for all sorts of reasons, from protecting people from nasty content to complying with international or copyright laws.

Knowing the reasons behind the blocks, such as government regulations and georestrictions, helps us surf (and understand) the internet more safely.

You can use VPNs and other tools to access content legally while travelling, and it can also be handy for staying connected.

Just be aware of the laws and use them responsibly so we all respect the local rules while we’re online!

© Scoop Media