Privacy Commissioner welcomes Data Futures Partnership

The Privacy Commissioner, John Edwards, says the NZ Data Futures Partnership is an important step towards a data-driven environment that respects and protects personal information while delivering better value to individuals and organisations.

Mr Edwards says the Partnership’s four principles of value, inclusion, trust, and control are consistent with privacy values.

“The data environment is changing as a consequence of technology. In recognition of this the rapid changes that are shaping and will continue to shape the way information is collected, stored, shared and used, I welcome the Government’s commitment to establishing a consensus driven framework that respects personal information.

“What is particularly pleasing is that the Partnership recognises the role that good privacy regulation plays. Without people’s trust, any plan or vision for the country’s data-sharing environment would fall short on delivering on value.

“A key aspect of this initiative is the word trusted. People need to have confidence that information about them will be used for the reasons it was collected, and in ways that enable both the private and public sector to add value to their services.

“The Data Futures Partnership is a direct result of extensive consultation that went into the Data Futures Forum report released last year. We made a submission to the Forum and have an ongoing engagement with its work. The report prioritises privacy as an integral part of New Zealand’s changing data environment.”

Mr Edwards says he looks forward to more of the Data Futures Forum report recommendations being adopted, including exploring the establishment of an independent Data Council, and a review of the country’s information legislation.

ENDS

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