The Biometric Shift: New Zealand’s Path to Ethical Data Stewardship

New Zealand’s new Biometric Processing Privacy Code (the Code) is transforming how organisations collect, store, and use biometric data. This is the country’s first dedicated framework for ethical, lawful, and culturally sensitive biometric data use, establishing clear expectations for businesses, government agencies, and organisations handling sensitive identifiers such as facial images, fingerprints, or voice data.

We’ve teamed up with our technology partner Diligent to deliver this new whitepaper: The Biometric Shift: New Zealand’s Path to Ethical Data Stewardship. It breaks down what you need to know to stay compliant and build trust in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Clear Rules for Biometric Processing – A practical breakdown of the Code’s 13 rules covering purpose limitation, transparency, secure storage, retention, and cross-border transfers.
• Cultural and Ethical Safeguards – How the Code embeds Māori data considerations and emphasises consultation with affected communities.
• Implementation and Governance Guidance – Compliance timelines, exemptions for low-risk uses, and proactive steps like PIAs, audits, and continuous risk assessments.
  

Why it matters

Beyond compliance, the Code is designed to help organisations strengthen consumer trust, align with societal values, and prepare for future challenges in biometric data governance.

Fill out the form to download your free whitepaper.