The annual privacy survey of New Zealanders, released during Privacy Week, has found public concern about privacy remains high.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says there is particular unease around children’s privacy, social media use, and AI decision-making.
“More people are worried about the impact of technology on their privacy and are questioning what their personal information is being used for and why.”
The impact of technology is reflected in people’s privacy concerns:
- 67 percent of respondents are concerned about the privacy of children, including when using social media.
- 63 percent are concerned about the management of personal information by social media companies.
- 62 percent are concerned about government agencies or businesses using AI in decision-making.
Webster says in a statement that New Zealanders are great adopters of technology “but this survey suggests that we’re increasing becoming aware there’s also a price to pay through the loss of control over our personal information and we’re increasing worried about the implications of that”.
Two-thirds of respondents said they would consider changing service providers due to poor privacy practices…
The statement says nearly half of respondents say they’ve become more concerned about issues of individual privacy and personal information over the past few years.
Two thirds of respondents now say protecting their personal information is a major concern in their lives. Over 80 percent said they wanted more control and choice over the collection and use of their personal information.
The level of concern also means many New Zealanders are willing to consider taking action if they think their right to privacy is not being protected and respected. Two-thirds of respondents said they would consider changing service providers – such as businesses – due to poor privacy practices.
Privacy Week runs from 12-16 May
