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A new law targeting on-line grooming is being welcomed, meanwhile there's frustration end-to-end encryption on social media platforms presents a solid barrier to the identification of on-line sex offenders.
The Child Exploitation Offences Amendment Bill passed into law recently, making it illegal for adults to lie about their age or identity, in order to meet up with a minor, or to communicate with them with the intent to cause harm.
This is a key shift in the law, as until now a defendant had to actually meet the young person they'd targeted, traveled to meet them, or arranged for or persuaded the young person to travel to meet them.
But while Police are welcoming this, they are frustrated end-to-end encryption of on-line chat streams prioritises privacy over protection.
As part of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) New Zealand police are asking social media platforms to recognise their responsibility to protect children and to prioritise robust safety systems to safeguard children from online sexual abuse.
Kathryn speaks with Detective Manager of Intercept and Technology Operations in Police's National Criminal Investigation Group Inspector Stuart Mills, and Sean Lyons from NetSafe, who along with Police should be the first port of call if on-line grooming is suspected.