New Zealand: Splitted Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill (124-1) into Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Objectionable Publications) Amendment Bill (124-2A)

On 31 March 2015, the New Zealand Parliament passed an amendment to the Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill (124-1), which spit the content moderation requirements into a new Bill named Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Objectionable Publications) Amendment Bill (124-2A). The Bill introduces penalties for offences related to objectionable publications, including increasing the maximum imprisonment terms from 10 to 14 years and establishing a presumption of imprisonment for repeat offenders. It also clarifies the possession of objectionable electronic publications and requires the Attorney-General's consent for private prosecutions of certain publication offences. These changes aim to enhance the enforcement of laws against objectionable content and provide clear legal frameworks for handling electronic publications. The bill is an amending act of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Objectionable Publications) of 1993, which governs the classification of publications, including films, commercial video-on-demand content, and games in New Zealand. It criminalises the possession or trade of objectionable publications. Convictions for knowingly possessing objectionable material may lead to a fine of up to NZD 50'000 or a 10-year term of imprisonment.