New Zealand: Announced Development of Biometrics Privacy Code Exposure Draft

On 23 November 2023, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner announced its intention to seek public input on a new code tailored specifically for biometrics. Biometric data, obtained through technologies such as facial recognition technology (FRT), retinal scans, and voice recognition, is becoming more prevalent. The Privacy Commissioner aims to centre the draft code around criteria related to proportionality, transparency, and purpose limitation. These regulations would be applicable when entities collect biometric data for use in automated processes, including facial recognition technologies. The exposure draft of the code will be open for review and comments in early 2024.