Chris Lynch: Record number of privacy complaints reveals ongoing issues in New Zealand

New Zealanders made a record 1,003 privacy complaints to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) in the last financial year, highlighting growing concerns about privacy rights and poor practices across the country.

While the high number of complaints could reflect greater awareness of privacy rights, Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said it is more likely due to poor privacy practices by businesses and organisations. Agencies reported 864 privacy breaches last year, with 414 of those classified as serious.