This is where the parties stand on Communications and IT

Communications and IT

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• Not available on their website yet.

• Improve public access to ICT by supporting the establishment of community technology hubs in schools, tertiary institutions, public libraries and other community centres. This will require appropriate investment in installing hardware and software, as well as providing ICT training.
• Support the balanced use of ICT in education, as a means of enhancing access and fostering technological literacy, as well as critically evaluating and using technology.
• Take the lead in Free Open-Source software procurement by not automatically buying from 'market leaders'.
• Modifying patent laws to specifically exclude software from being patented (software can still be copyrighted), unless it is part of a larger development involving non-software components.
• Support the review of the Privacy Act 1993 and the Official Information Act 1982, to improve the public's access to information and ensure that there are effective reviews in place for those who do not receive the requested information or consider that information held about them is incorrect. (more here)

• Citizens will have their access to the internet guaranteed and be protected from blanket mass surveillance under Labour’s proposed digital bill of rights.
• Such legislation would protect people from the digital equivalent of warrantless phone tapping, although it wouldn’t override current GCSB powers.
• It would also guarantee freedom of expression, thought, conscience and religion, while still outlawing hate speech.
• Labour will explore means of increasing public internet access –such as through libraries and Wi-Fi hotspots – to ensure all Kiwis can go online when they need to.
• Labour is also looking into whether such a bill could be used to stop companies selling people’s online information without permission. (more here)

• Not available on their website yet.

• Work with computer manufacturers to assist with national rollout of Computers in Homes.
• Review the 2008 Digital Strategy to ensure it is meeting the requirements of our digital environment including responding to those with special needs.
• Expand employment opportunities in the information, computer and telecommunications technology sector through Ngā Pū Waea (rural and ultrafast broadband), including Māori cadetship in the digital creative sector.
• Invest in opportunities to migrate Māori educational content into the digital environment (te reo versions of digital publications and books re-versioned in a Māori framework).
• All citizens with access to email will have the option of receiving their mail from government departments via email. Those who opt for this, will receive a government subsidy on their internet connection bill. (more here)

• Not available on their website yet.

• Pursue the availability of wholesale broadband services at competitive prices to improve broadband uptake in New Zealand which in turn will facilitate improved internet pricing and technology that will enhance access by Kiwi consumers leading to greater international competitiveness for Kiwi businesses.
• Work with the industry to help develop guidelines for standardized implementation of digital privacy controls, education agency privacy and legal officials on options for addressing digital privacy, records retention and security issues.
• Provide all primary and secondary educational institutions, particularly those in rural areas, with access to up-to-date communications technology.
• Consider setting up an independent regulator in the telecommunication industry to avoid pressure and influence from the government of the day.
• Promote robust measures to deal with internet pornography and in particular child pornography, with both legislative and regulatory powers, including substantial jail terms. (more here)

• Support the national partnership involving telecommunications companies and the government for the extension of broadband services into rural areas and hard to service urban areas.
• Create a national "Do Not Call" register, allowing people to list their home phone numbers so they are legally protected from receiving calls from telemarketers.
• Ban telemarketers from calling anyone between the hours of 6pm and 8am, in any 24 hour period;
• Lower the cost of cell phone usage by ensuring New Zealand has an open competitive modern telecommunications infrastructure, backed by a sound regulatory framework to protect the public interest.
• Take further steps to safeguard children from harmful internet material, working with organisations such as NetSafe and the ICT industry to ensure that filtering software and other appropriate safety measures, including effective Codes of Practice, are effective. (more here)