We know that collaboration is the key to continuing to meet the challenges we face as the tech revolution continues.
Netsafe Lab
At Netsafe Lab, we are committed to tackling the evolving challenges of online harm by developing cutting-edge tools, conducting policy-informing research and fostering collaboration with global experts and local communities.
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Last Updated30/07/2024
About the Lab
Netsafe Lab leverages the latest in machine learning, AI, and data analytics to distinguish trends, identify risks, and create tools that address a wide range of online safety issues including cyberbullying, misinformation, and scams.
Lab operates independently but works closely with government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society groups to ensure our initiatives are comprehensive and impactful.
Our research informs policy development and provides actionable insights to enhance online safety not just in New Zealand, but worldwide.
Engage with Netsafe Lab
The work is born out of our proud history of building productive relationships and working with others in the online safety ecosystem. For over 25 years, we have produced data and research to assess and respond to the online safety and digital issues of our time. Much of this has been through grant funding and working with others.
We invite stakeholders to engage with us, share their expertise, and contribute to our mission. Together, we can develop innovation that protects and empowers individuals in the digital age. Join us in creating a safer online environment for all.
For more information you can explore our projects and research below.
Or send us a message at [email protected](mailto:[email protected]) to find out how you can get involved in making our digital world a safer place.
Mission, Focus, Plans
Netsafe Lab is dedicated to advancing online safety through innovative technology, comprehensive research, and strategic partnerships. We analyse digital trends, develop cutting-edge tools, and collaborate locally and globally to protect individuals from online harm.
Our mission is to create safer online places and spaces by leveraging new technology, data analytics, and expert insights to address online safety challenges.
We strive to continually refine our field of focus, dependent on several factors, including feedback from the wider online safety community, new tool development, funding, and capacity.
We focus our work across three main areas of practice:
- Development of small-scale products and innovation experiments to look at impact on online safety outcomes.
- Improving Netsafe’s access to data and insight building capability.
- Supporting the development of research and expansion of the evidence base for online safety knowledge and practice.
We are interested in the following topic areas:
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Digital literacy/fluency/citizenship and safe internet use
- Influencing help seeking behaviours
- Privacy maintenance and data protection
- Online exploitation and abuse
- The use of AI and large language models to recognise harm, mitigate harmful interactions and/or understand online harm contexts.
In the next financial year Netsafe Lab continues to dedicate resources towards the following tools and research including:
Social Media and Body Image Research
Netsafe and Te Mana Whakaatu | Classification Office funded qualitative research with rangatahi to explore young people's experiences and views about media content (we expect social media will be the primary focus of discussions), online behaviour, and the potential impacts on body image and associated health and wellbeing issues.
This research will launch in July 2024.
Launching next: AI and Online Safety in New Zealand
Netsafe and the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) will work together on a project that aims to analyse and provide comprehensive insights into the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on online safety. It seeks to identify key trends, challenges, and strategies for addressing online harms, including AI-facilitated issues.
The objective is to offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators to foster a safer digital environment within the unique context of New Zealand.
This research will launch at the end of 2024.
Recent Lab Projects
From cutting-edge AI tools designed to waste scammers time to revealing the hidden costs of online harm, Netsafe Lab has been hard at work. Check out our recent projects.
Re:Scam Tool(/rescam)State of Scams Research(https://cdn.sanity.io/files/8y8wsx0z/production/6204ab98bdbe04f4102c58d558075059d44ad79c.pdf)Cost of Cyberbullying Research(https://cdn.sanity.io/files/8y8wsx0z/production/7ac5dce9154df52c31103b3b6fdd9226f3dd3c92.pdf)CheckNetsafe Tool(https://checknetsafe.nz/)
