Livestreaming bill introduced after Christchurch could criminalise innocent people | Anjum Rahman

The government's proposal on criminalising the streaming of offensive content is open to misuse and could lead to unnecessary harassment

Two years on from the horrific mass murders at Al-Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, we know the grief is fresh in the hearts of many. As we think about those directly and indirectly impacted, we must also continue to think about what needs to change.

In December 2020, the report of the royal commission into these events was made public. The findings were a disappointment in not holding any person or agency negligent, though the body of the report detailed a number of failings. The government has committed to implementing the 44 recommendations, with some announcements already made.