Michael Webster
Digital IDs: Balancing privacy with convenience
If you want to live your life more seamlessly, you might have to swallow the dead rat of information seepage.
Digital IDs are coming
If you want to live your life more seamlessly, you might have to swallow the dead rat of information seepage. Audio
Stricter rules introduced for using facial recognition tech
The final biometrics code, which governs how technology such as facial recognition, is collected and used, has just been released by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Audio
Scanning your groceries - and you!
If you shopped at a New World or Pak'nSave in the North Island last year, there's a chance your face was scanned by facial recognition technology. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 4 June 2025
In today's episode, according to results out on Wednesday morning, the left bloc would have enough support to govern, the Privacy Commissioner says facial recognition technology in North Island… Audio
Privacy Commissioner on facial recognition tech in supermarkets
The Privacy Commissioner says facial recognition technology in North Island supermarkets has potential safety benefits, despite raising significant privacy concerns. Commissioner Michael Webster spoke… Audio
Privacy Commssion puts out new advice to protect children
The Privacy Commission has put out new filming and photography advice for organisations in a bid to protect children and young people. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 28 May 2025
In today's episode, A former All Black says the controversial collision game is allowing influencers and organisers to make money off head injuries and concussions, New Zealand's privacy commissioner… Audio
Oranga Tamariki issued compliance notice by Privacy Commissioner
New Zealand's privacy commissioner Michael Webster has issued Oranga Tamariki a compliance notice to compel it to do more to fix its deficient training, data sharing and privacy systems. Webster spoke… Audio
Submitted your DNA to 23andme? How safe is your data?
It was hacked, its share price plunged and the board quit after accusing the CEO of failing to find a way to stem financial woes. Audio
Thousands of customers details lost after attack
Thousands of customers of a hearing clinic chain in New Zealand have been warned about a ransomware attack that has stolen masses of sensitive data. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster spoke to… Audio
Privacy Commissioner on facial recognition tech
Māori AI and data experts say the technology is primarily based on European-looking individuals and struggles to recognise people of colour, including Māori and Pasifika. Privacy Commissioner Michael… Audio
Onus on businesses to prove need to collect personal data
The Privacy Commissioner wants businesses collecting biometric information to have to prove the benefits of doing so outweigh the privacy risks. Audio
Foodstuffs to roll out new facial recognition software
New facial recognition software is be being rolled out in New World and PAK'nSAVE supermarkets across the North Island from Thursday.
Up to 25 stores will be part of a six-month trial. Foodstuffs… Audio
Privacy Commission: facial recognition technology not justified
The Privacy Commission says it is not yet convinced that facial recognition technology is a "justified and proportionate response" to combat retail crime. Retail NZ is calling for a coordinated and… Audio
How can we use and protect uniquely private biometric data?
The Privacy Commissioner wants to know what the public thinks about how their biometric information is collected and used.
Biometrics - involving the use of computers to identify people's faces… Audio
Queen's Birthday Honours: inside the Honours system
Every six months New Zealand celebrates those who have gone above and beyond and they are recognised for their years of dedication within the Honours system. Michael Webster, Secretary of the… Audio
Coronavirus: Drought-stricken farmers given funding boost
Drought-stricken farmers in Northland and north Waikato will receive a much needed funding boost to purchase feed supplies.
The Minister of Agriculture, Damien O'Connor, says half a million dollars… Audio
Council frustrated by requirement to release dangerous dog
The Napier City Council says its frustrated by the law requiring it to release dangerous dogs back to their owners. Audio
