David Shanks

What is the role of internet service providers in blocking harmful content from the public? The controversial website 8chan - linked to several mass shootings in the past six months - has gone… Audio

The Chief Censor supports the decision by a cyber-security firm to drop the online message board 8Chan in the wake of Sunday's mass shooting in Texas.

Twenty people were killed during the attack at a… Audio

New studies show suicide rates in the United States went up after a controversial Netflix drama on suicide was aired.

A graphic three-minute suicide scene in the series '13 Reasons Why' has now been… Video, Audio

The removal of a suicide scene from the Netflix drama '13 Reasons Why' is being called the right thing to do, but mental health advocates say the damage has already been done, with the show being… Audio

Another controversial Netflix production with graphic content has sneaked through New Zealand classification, before being changed, as the government considers rule changes. Following viewer concerns… Audio

Banning the gunman’s so-called manifesto was a controversial call by the Chief Censor last week. It has divided opinion among the media over whether they should delve into it - and just how much of it… Audio

Free speech advocates are calling the censor's decision to ban the Christchurch attacker's written document an "improper use of censorship powers". The publication has officially been classified as… Audio

Young people say pornography is too easy to watch in New Zealand. The Office of Film and Literature Classification interviewed 2000 children aged 14 to 17 and found more than 70 percent thought porn… Video, Audio

The Chief Censor's office has belatedly added a suicide warning label to the film A Star is Born, which is currently screening in New Zealand. The Mental Health Foundation says it's heard from viewers… Audio

Teenagers are taking to Twitter to say how traumatised they are by the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why. Series two started screening last Friday and contains rape, suicide themes, drug use and bullying… Audio

The Chief Censor is warning parents about a new season of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Season two will be released in New Zealand on Friday night. The programme is aimed at teenagers, and… Audio

Netflix has asked the Chief Censor to rate the second season of its controversial teen drama 13 Reasons Why, ahead of its release later this month. Netflix will also air a video ahead of each episode… Audio

The latest research from the office of the chief censor shows teens are learning about sexual violence from media they are consuming on-line without parental knowledge or input. This is shaping their… Audio

Netflix's new teen drama, To The Bone, starts airing today. And it's the second Netflix-original to raise concern amongst parents, healthcare professionals and our Chief Censor this year. In March, 13… Audio