The Ministry of Justice says that since the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 came into force in July 2015, 148 criminal charges have been filed relating to 115 people.

The ministry says 100 criminal charges have been finalised relating to 79 people and 66 have been convicted and sentenced, with 25 charges withdrawn. There have been 9 other outcomes, including diversions completed and dismissals.

Since it began acting as the approved agency in November 2016, Netsafe has received over 900 requests for help, the ministry says.

The courts have also received 14 civil cases requesting Harmful Digital Communications Orders, of which 6 have been completed.