Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 28 June 2007

No Boundaries for Biometrics

New Zealand needs an ethical framework before we start writing laws allowing the collection of biometric information, Judy Turner, deputy leader of United Future said today.

“It is dangerous and frightening that we as a country allow files of biometrics to be collected without any thought given to the rights and wrongs of it.”

Steve Maharey, speaking on behalf of the Police Minister in Parliament, claimed today that changes to the Police Act were an opportunity for the public to discuss biometric information gathering of innocent New Zealanders.

“What nonsense. Changes to the Police Act are not the best opportunity to discuss biometrics. We need a neutral forum to discuss the potential use and limits of biometrics and we need it urgently.

“The Government is introducing the ability to collect biometric information all over the place – changes to the Police Act, changes to the Immigration Act and the Gold Card.”

“United Future isn’t necessarily averse to the Government collecting biometrics, but we insist that there must be an ethical framework for it.

“If my personal information is to be taken from me, I have a right to know why, under what circumstances, for how long it will be kept and what will happen to it.

“United Future’s view is that a truly neutral body like the Law Commission should construct a framework defining the use and misuse of biometrics before we write it into law, said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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