News

We’re asking New Zealanders to have their say about new draft rules that would outline how biometrics can be used. Biometrics are physical and behavioural characteristics (face scans, fingerprint scans, voice recordings) that can be used to identify individuals or work out things about them using technology like facial recognition.

New Zealand doesn’t have specific rules for biometrics. We’re proposing that we create some, in a code of practice under the Privacy Act 2020.

There’s three main points we’d like everyone to consider

We know that not everyone can read or understand legal documents. If that’s you, then we’d like you to consider three points before emailing us to tell us what you think.

We think businesses and organisations should have to balance the benefits and risks before deciding to use biometric technologies.
We think that people should be told when biometrics are being collected unless there is an exceptionally good reason not to. Any posters, notices, or communications should be obvious and clear. Extra information like how long the biometric information will be kept and how to make a complaint should also be available.
We think biometric technologies should not be used for assuming emotions, detecting demographics, monitoring attention, or finding out health information (except by a health agency) unless it’s for legitimate health and safety reasons.

What do you think? Email us at biometrics@privacy.org.nz and let us know.

See this information in an infographic to help you understand it a different way.

We’d like agencies to read the code and consultation document and provide feedback

Read the exposure draft of a biometric code. This the draft code of practice that will tell you exactly what we’re proposing in terms of new rules for biometrics. We welcome your comments on any part of the exposure draft.

Read our full 57 page consultation document that explains the exposure. We want to help people understand the key features of our draft code of practice for biometrics. This document will explain a bit more about what we’re talking about, what we’ve already done, and prompt you to think about biometrics in your own sector or business.

We welcome your comments on any of the questions in the consultation document.

OR

Keep it short and read our one-page consultation doc.

Read all the questions we ask in the consultation document in one place.

Help your workplace or communities have their say too

We’re keen to hear from a broad range of people. Help yourself to our free downloadable content to share the word that people can have their say on biometrics.

Infographic about biometrics – our three big questions
Three options of A4 posters designed for home printers: limitations, transparency, proportionality
Text content you can use for your internal or external newsletter
Text content you can use for your social posts
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LinkedIn tile
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Instagram story templates: limitations, transparency, proportionality
Read or share our media release.

Need something else? Our communications team can help you share information about our biometrics work. Email them at CommsTeam@privacy.org.nz

Biometrics in ‘real life’

We think these recent media stories give a good picture of what biometric technologies are about and will give people a better understanding of what we’re asking about.

Rite Aid facial recognition misidentified Black, Latino and Asian people as ‘likely’ shoplifters - The Guardian

The future of biometrics technology: Convenience or privacy? - Thomson Reuters

Facial detection used by Westfield malls for targeted advertising - Consumer.org.nz

Facial recognition helps problem pokies players say no - Future Five New Zealand

Mall real estate company collected 5 million images of shoppers, say privacy watchdogs - Canadaian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)