4 Dec 2019, 09:00

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says his office is continuing to monitor developments in the Police firearms buyback privacy breach and is working closely with NZ Police to ensure they are taking steps to secure all relevant personal information. 

Mr Edwards said the main priority was to secure the information exposed in the breach and get a thorough understanding of what information may have been shared further.

“The latest information our office has received from Police is that there were limited numbers of people affected by the incident. Police will be contacting those individuals directly.

“We are very concerned about the breach of security and have recorded a number of complaints and enquires from affected individuals. At first instance we are recommending that affected individuals register their concerns with Police directly.”

If individuals think they have been affected and wish to make a formal complaint, they need to raise that issue with Police in the first instance. Police can be contacted on their website or by calling 105. Police have advised the Privacy Commissioner that the staff who answer that line are able to manage calls about this issue. Individuals can also lodge a report online. 

For more information, contact Charles Mabbett 021 509 735.

A copy of this media release can be downloaded here.