Privacy
Click to consent: Why privacy policies need an overhaul
When was the last time you read the privacy policy of a service you signed up to? An Auckland shopping mall has been requiring customers to hand over detailed information - including name, email… Audio
Does Westfield's app watch you over your shoulder?
A free-parking app at the new Westfield mall in Auckland's Newmarket is causing concern about the amount of data it can collect. Audio
Royals’ retreat prompts right royal pile-on
It was no surprise the Sussexes’ sudden decision to retreat from royalty and quit the kingdom fired up the hyperactive UK media - especially as they cited press pestering as a major reason. But half a… Audio
Online advertising behind illegal collection and use of data
New research from the Norwegian Consumer Council shows the online advertising industry is behind comprehensive illegal collection and indiscriminate use of personal data. Netsafe chief executive… Audio
Technology best and worst of the decade
Technology correspondent Sarah Putt examines the tech ideas and events that have happened between 2010 and 2019 that have changed the way we live. Audio
Sensors in state homes raises surveillance concerns
From next May - Kainga Ora, Housing New Zealand's successor - wants to begin installing multiple sensors in up to 2000 state houses as part of its Smart Homes project. Audio
Privacy obligations. What business needs to know ahead of new law
The Privacy Act has been setting the boundaries for our right to privacy, especially the collection and disclosure of our personal information, since 1993. But that's set to change early next year… Audio
Terrorism bill an 'obnoxious' piece of legislation - privacy commissioner
The privacy commissioner is recommending a bill that prepares for the potential return of foreign fighters from Syria does not proceed.
Cautionary tales about your digital data
As Facebook faces legal pushback in the US for exploiting users’ data, three reporters here produced eye-opening cautionary tales of online intrusion into people’s most private stuff for commercial… Audio
Why you should be worried if you own a Chinese phone
China's use of technology for social control of its citizens is well-documented, but it could also affect users elsewhere, including those of us who use Chinese smartphones. Security analyst Samantha… Audio
When Media coverage crosses the privacy line
The England cricketer Ben Stokes has described a front-page article in the Sun newspaper about a family tragedy that happened in New Zealand 31 years ago as "disgusting" and "immoral". In a statement… Audio
AT plan could mean 8000 cameras watching Auckland
Auckland authorities are paving the way to add hundreds, if not thousands, more CCTV cameras to the network across the city. Audio
DeepNude app: Is the genie out of the bottle?
A controversial app that took photos of clothed women and stripped them naked may have been shut down, but it hasn't stopped versions of it from cropping up on the internet. The DeepNude app used… Audio
Stats NZ to track people's movements, hour by hour
Stats NZ is partnering with cell phone companies to launch a new way of tracking people's movements every hour, but the government says the security of people's privacy is paramount in the pilot… Audio
AAAP calls for MSD's CEO, deputy CEO to resign
Ricardo Menendez March from Auckland Action Against Poverty has called on MSD's CEO and deputy CEO to resign over the way it investigated beneficiaries, including snooping through their social media… Video, Audio
MSD defends fraud investigations, saying it never broke the law
While Ministry of Social Development has accepted the Privacy Commissioner's recommendations, it has also defended its investigations into benefit fraud, saying it had to go to third parties as most… Audio
Beneficiary investigated by MSD: 'It's all too much to handle'
Ministry of Social Development has been collecting large amounts of highly sensitive information about beneficiaries from telcos, banks and police records - without the person at the centre of the… Audio
MSD spying on beneficiaries
The Privacy Commissioner John Edwards has found the Ministry of Social Development has been systematically misusing its powers while pursuing people it suspects of benefit fraud. He says the Ministry… Audio
Credit report responses too slow - Privacy Commissioner
Most credit report companies are too slow at handling people's requests for their information to meet new timeframe deadlines coming in July, a spot check by the Privacy Commissioner has found.
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards uses art to make a point
The Privacy Commission has turned to an art space for people living on the margins of society to help raise awareness of the issue of personal privacy. Commissioner John Edwards is working with… Audio, Gallery