What is harmful and illegal content?

Extremely harmful content refers specifically to video, images, text and other material people see online that could potentially be classified as ‘objectionable’ in New Zealand. It is against the law to create, possess and share objectionable content in New Zealand.

This page provides information on potentially 'objectionable' content. Please note these resources include references to distressing and harmful material.

Examples of potentially ‘objectionable’ or banned content might include something that depicts or deals with:

  • Torture
  • Sexual violence
  • Sexual activity involving children or young people
  • The promotion of crime acts of terrorism
  • Degrading or dehumanising conduct
  • Extreme violence including executions, mass shootings, suicide, or extreme cruelty towards animals

Some types of content is always classified as objectionable – including anything that promotes or supports the sexual exploitation of children or young people, sexual violence, torture, or extreme violence.

Detailed information about harmful content

The following pages provide detailed information about objectionable content to assist the general public in understanding the legal line:

How to report harmful or illegal content

If you come across harmful, distressing, or illegal content online, it’s important to report it.

Reporting helps protect you, your whānau, and others. It supports safer online spaces, and ensures the right agencies can act. You don’t need to be certain whether content is illegal, different New Zealand agencies can assess it and respond appropriately. You can report content even if it’s hosted overseas.

Find out who to report to and how to report harmful or illegal content in New Zealand.
How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand

People across Aotearoa have consistently told us they are concerned about the harms of extreme content. Young people, parents and caregivers, grandparents, aunties and uncles, educators, and community leaders are worried for themselves, for young people, and for their communities.

Addressing these harms is a shared effort, supported by clear laws, dedicated agencies, and community action. Together, we can reduce harm by not creating or sharing objectionable content, protecting wellbeing, and reporting harm when we see it.

About the Classification Office’s role and how the law works

The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 balances freedom of expression with protecting people from harm – especially children and young people.

Every piece of content the Classification Office sees is different and to decide whether something is illegal it must consider each one on its own merits and carefully apply the Act and the principles of fairness and natural justice. There are also serious penalties for offences under the Act. This is why decisions about whether content is illegal are made by trained experts at the Classification Office, who, guided by the Act, follow a very transparent and fair process before making a decision.

You can read more about the classification process here.