A rule banning the use of television footage from the debating chamber to ridicule or satirise politicians should be ditched, the Speaker has been told.
Official television coverage cannot currently be used for "satire, ridicule or denigration" - a limitation that both the Parliamentary Press Gallery and Clerk of the House want removed.
Parliament's Privileges Committee has now agreed, and has included the recommendation in a new report on the use of social media to report on proceedings in the House.
"This rule has never been used and risks making Parliament seem out of touch and wary of criticism," the report stated.
It is now common for MPs to tweet and put up other social media postings during question time, and they often criticise the Speaker and opposing politicians.
In May last year, Speaker David Carter asked the committee to consider whether new rules were needed.
The committee ultimately decided that the use of social media was a positive development and should not be curtailed.
However, MPs should be reminded that the use of electronic devices should not disrupt the business of the House or create disorder.
There should not be photography of filming during proceedings except during the swearing-in of a member, a maiden or valedictory speech, a waiata marking the passing of a Treaty of Waitangi claims bill, or another special occasion approved by the Speaker.
"Most of us believe that permitting filming and photography only on certain occasions is preferable to promote decorum and minimise the potential for disorder," the committee's report stated.
"Regrettably, on a small number of occasions, a member has taken a photo of another member in the House without permission and used it for political advantage. We consider this unacceptable."
It was also recommended that MPs be reminded that comments made on social media may well not be covered by parliamentary privilege - meaning they could face defamation action.