The Privacy Commissioner says it will be difficult - if not impossible - for tech companies to allow Governments to access encrytped data without comprmising the security of their entire systems.
New Zealand has joined its Five Eyes security partners asking companies like Facebook to share its data in order to curb crime.
The chair of the Civil Liberties Council has warned the move will undermine the privacy and freedom of expression of individuals.
But the Privacy Commissioner, John Edwards, told Māni dunlop it's a complicated issue.