Urgent need for PILLAR's Proposed Bills
MEDIA RELEASE | 7 July 2026 | For Immediate Release
PILLAR is calling on Members of Parliament to adopt two pieces of legislation already drafted by the organisation, arguing that events over the past 24 hours demonstrate New Zealand can no longer afford to remain reactive on issues of digital freedom and foreign interference.
The first development follows reports that the government is now openly considering restrictions on VPNs as part of enforcing under-16 social media bans, highlighting exactly how quickly child safety policies can evolve into broader internet controls.
The second comes after New Zealand was notified in advance of a Chinese ballistic missile test into the South Pacific, a significant strategic event that has renewed concerns about Beijing's growing military presence and influence across the Pacific region.
PILLAR Executive Director Nathan Seiuli said neither development came as a surprise.
“Since out establishment we have warned that online safety proposals, however well intentioned, would inevitably expand into broader powers over internet access, digital identity, privacy and lawful online activity. We have also consistently warned that New Zealand remains dangerously behind our democratic allies in dealing with foreign influence and interference."
"The conversation has moved exactly where we said it would."
Rather than simply criticising government proposals, PILLAR has already produced legislative solutions.
The organisation's Digital Bill of Rights Act (DBORA) establishes clear legal protections for fundamental digital freedoms, including freedom of expression, privacy, encryption, anonymous lawful internet use, due process and protections against unnecessary government control of the internet.
Its Foreign Influence Transparency Bill (FIT Bill) would introduce a comprehensive transparency register requiring individuals and organisations acting on behalf of foreign governments or foreign political interests to publicly disclose those relationships. The proposal is modelled on successful legislation adopted by democratic allies while remaining proportionate to New Zealand's constitutional framework.
Seiuli said Parliament should stop reinventing the wheel.
"We have done the work. We've consulted stakeholders, engaged experts, drafted legislation and put forward practical solutions."
"These are not protest documents. They are serious legislative proposals that could be introduced tomorrow as Members' Bills."
PILLAR is calling on MPs from across Parliament to adopt both Bills and allow them to proceed through the select committee process.
"The best ideas should compete on their merits regardless of who drafted them. If Government members believe in protecting children online without sacrificing civil liberties, or strengthening New Zealand against foreign influence without undermining our democratic values, then they should be willing to debate these Bills."
Seiuli also called for greater engagement between Government and independent civil society organisations.
"Too often organisations like ours are consulted only after decisions have effectively been made. That is backwards."
"PILLAR has established itself as one of New Zealand's leading voices on digital rights, civil liberties and foreign interference. We have demonstrated that we are willing to do more than issue press releases. We produce research, develop policy and draft legislation."
"Government should engage organisations that are prepared to bring solutions to the table."
Seiuli said the past 24 hours reinforce a simple lesson.
"Freedom rarely disappears overnight. It is gradually narrowed through a series of well-intentioned decisions. National security is rarely strengthened through good intentions alone. It requires institutions that are transparent, resilient and prepared."
"New Zealand has an opportunity to get ahead of both challenges instead of waiting for the next crisis."
ENDS
Media Contact | Nathan Seiuli | 021 485 449