New Zealand’s anti troll law is a world first

Winston Peters, a veteran MP, said he had been described 'as a loathsome old reptile'
Winston Peters, a veteran MP, said he had been described 'as a loathsome old reptile'
FIONA GOODALL/GETTY IMAGES

Internet trolls in New Zealand could be jailed under a new law which is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

An overwhelming majority in parliament passed the law after a debate in which some MPs showed a video featuring “abuse” that they had encountered online. Winston Peters, a veteran MP, said he had been described “as a loathsome old reptile”; another, Peter Dunne, pointed to a post that said: “Peter Dunne’s face says serious but his bow tie says party clown.”

Under the harmful digital communications act, due to come into force this month, fines of up to £85,000 can be levied on the publisher of an offending webpage, with individuals facing fines of up to £21,000 or two