Justice Minister Amy Adams says that the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 has resulted in 50 convictions and sentences since most of the legislation came into force on 21 November 2016.

Ms Adams says the Act has resulted in 132 criminal charges filed and 77 criminal cases finalised.

As a result of action taken under the Act, 4 diversions have been completed, 3 dismissals and 1 discharge without conviction.

Ms Adams says the Act also established an Approved Agency, Netsafe, and civil court remedies to assess, investigate and deal with complaints about harm caused to individuals by digital communications.

“Since Netsafe began in November 2016, it has received over 600 requests for assistance with harmful digital communications,” she says.