SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 

Kia ora koutou

We're always focused on making sure New Zealanders have access to information about the law when it comes to harmful or potentially illegal content. With technology developing so rapidly, it can feel even more confusing out there for young people and the adults in their lives - so that's why we've put new resources on our website about illegal online games, smart glasses, and porn. Check these out, and more, below.

As usual, we also break down the content for popular titles in cinemas and on streaming platforms. Check out the featured decisions for The Dog Stars, Don't Say Good Luck, and Furious.

Our newsletters generally talk about topics like sex, drugs, and the media content landscape. Our aim is to have difficult conversations and shine a light on ways to reduce harm for New Zealanders. If you know someone who should receive these updates, please share our newsletter or encourage them to subscribe. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn too.

Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou
Let’s look out for each other

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether 

Image: Jacob Elordi in The Dog Stars

What is "EA Sports FC" and how can I talk with my child about the video game?

EA Sport FC is a popular football video game series available to play on just about every gaming platform. It has 20,000+ FIFA footballers across 750+ clubs and national teams, in over 120+ stadiums and 35+ leagues – so it’s hugely detailed, with massive scope to customise the games you play, especially when you get into Ultimate Team mode and build your own dream squad out of all those footballers.

The game is cross-rated M (using the Australian classification), with content advisories of “chance-based and in-game purchases, online interactivity and chat”. We wrote a blog for whānau detailing the risks, the research, and protections for things like online spending, chance-based purchases ('loot boxes'), voice chat, and general account security.

Find out more about the rating, modes, and risks of the popular football video game.

Illegal video games: what parents and whānau should know

From action adventures and e-sports to multiplayers and open-world environments, thousands of games are played online every day. Most are perfectly legal. However, in rare cases, video games banned in New Zealand can still be found online, including on well-known platforms.

Understanding the legal line and what to do if you encounter an illegal video game can help keep you and your whānau safe while you play.

Read on for info about video game classification, reporting harmful content - and some terrific tips for adults from a young gamer

Porn Resource Hub

These days, porn is widely available online and young people may come across it – whether intentionally or accidentally. Understandably, it can be difficult to know what to say, what support is available, or when content may cross the line into illegal or objectionable material.

We’ve brought together our research, resources, and other guidance to help educators, parents and whānau talk about pornography with young people and know where to go for further information and support.

Check out our Porn Resource Hub for all things related to classification and pornography in Aotearoa New Zealand

What are smart glasses and what do I need to know?

From recording video hands-free to asking AI questions out loud, smart glasses are becoming more common. You may have already seen someone wearing a pair.

But as with any technology that can create and share content, people are also asking important questions: Could smart glasses be misused to create harmful or potentially illegal content? What does the law say?

Visit our resource page about smart glasses to read some FAQs, conversations starters, and learn about the law in New Zealand

Why did The Dog Stars get this rating?

R13: Violence, offensive language, & content that may disturb

In a post-apocalyptic world, a virus wipes out humanity. Survivors face roaming scavengers called Reapers. Protagonist Hig, a pilot, survived the flu but lost his wife.

The Dog Stars was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office and received an R13 with content warnings for violence, offensive language & content that may disturb. Read our breakdown of this classification.

Why did Don't Say Good Luck get this rating?

M: Offensive language and sexual themes

Sophie is sixteen and preparing for the leading role in her high-school musical. Suddenly, family drama overtakes the drama on stage, because her mother's cancer is back.

Don't Say Good Luck was self-rated by Netflix and received an M with content warnings for offensive language and sexual themes. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Furious get this rating?

16: Violence, sex scenes, drug use, and sexual violence themes

A high-stakes game of cat and mouse between an FBI agent battling inner turmoil and a mysterious serial killer seeking her own sense of violent justice. As corrupt cover-ups and past traumas unfold, right and wrong are not as black and white as they seem.

Furious was self-rated by Disney Plus and received a 16 with a content warning for violence, sex scenes, drug use, and sexual violence themes. Read our breakdown of the first four episodes.

Because our work requires a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we consume a lot of media in the office. Here are just a few of the things we’ve found relevant and informative over the past month. Take a break with these media lunch items:

Worried someone may film you with smart glasses? – RNZ

Why are we so obsessed with true crime? Hint: it's not just morbid curiosity – The Conversation