Privacy
Govt backtracks on data-for-funding proposal
Social service providers will no longer need to hand over the private details of their clients to the government until a new data protection policy is in place.
MSD official steps down over privacy breach
A top government official has stepped down over a privacy breach that could have put sensitive client information at risk.
High-ranking public servant falls on his sword
Social Development Ministry acting deputy chief executive, Murray Edridge, is quitting the ministry, saying staff under his watch did not adequately protect client information. Audio
MSD rush caused privacy breach - critics
The government's rush to bring in a new data-gathering policy could have caused a serious privacy breach, the Privacy Commissioner says.
Jobs at MSD could be at risk following data review
Jobs could be on the line following a highly critical report into how the Ministry of Social Development stores client information.
New group aims to voice New Zealanders' privacy concerns
Privacy issues aren't limited to the government and big businesses, and the community needs to have a voice too, a new advocacy group says.
Court won't give woman the name of her baby's father
Judges in Germany have rejected a woman's bid to have a hotel tell her the name of a man she spent three days with. Audio
'Extremely disappointing': Minister still concerned after privacy near-miss
The Ministry of Social Development's report into last week's privacy near-miss raises more questions than answers, the responsible minister says.
Tech news: Unlimited mobile broadband plans & your mobile data for sale
Unlimited mobile broadband plans come to NZ, but there are a few fish hooks you need to be aware of; and some big telcos are selling our mobile data for use by tourist attractions and retailers. Audio
Anne Tolley responds to criticism of data collection plan
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley says the demand for private details was to ensure people receive the services they need, but she accepts the need to tackle privacy concerns. She says the… Audio
Two major blows to government data-sharing plan
The Government's data-sharing plan has suffered a second blow with the Privacy Commissioner rejecting a plan to force community groups to hand over clients' private details if they want state funding.
…High Court ruling on half-naked Facebook photos welcomed
An Auckland man who was discharged from court after posting half naked photos of his estranged wife on Facebook has been ordered to face a retrial after the High Court quashed the original… Audio
Should NZ health data be in the cloud?
Microsoft has written to the government asking for it's help in removing more barriers which it says makes it difficult for District Health Boards to use cloud-based services. The company also says it… Audio
Corrections union disturbed by Paremoremo privacy breach
"It's a situation that they shouldn't be in. Unfortunately it's not the first time this has happened but we want to make sure this is the last time it happens." The Corrections Association's national… Audio
Prison officers' personal details given to gang members
Police have apologised after accidentally releasing some prison officers' details, including where they live, to gang members.
CYF wrongly accuses man of being a sex offender over 15 years
Child Youth and Family faces having to make a payout to a man it wrongly accused for 15 years of being a sex offender. The wrong information was repeated over and over in reports to the Family Court… Audio
CYF 'stuff-up' fuels privacy concerns
A Child, Youth and Family privacy breach is being brandished as proof the government cannot be trusted with people's private information.
Govt urged to extend data-for-funding reprieve
A temporary reprieve granted to sexual violence agencies regarding information-sharing with the government should be extended to all such groups, an NGO umbrella group says. Audio
Tech news: Streaming services and CIA hacks consumer devices?
New figures show how New Zealanders are taking to streaming video on demand services; and the privacy implications of the CIA potentially hacking consumer devices to gather intelligence. Audio
Rape Crisis will risk funding to keep data private
Rape Crisis will not accept funding contracts from the Ministry of Social Development if it is required to hand over clients' private details, the service says. Audio