The Privacy Commissioner of New Zealand has launched an investigation into whether the government's proposal of data-for-funding from counseling and sexual violence groups is a violation of privacy laws, RNZ reports. Data collection has already begun in some instances, with Social Service Providers Aotearoa saying that the government has collected data from budgeting advisors and "is expanding to cover all Ministry of Social Development contract holders from July," the report states. Information like names, birthdates and ethnicities are among the data the government will collect, and many view the move as problematic. "Providers won't get funded if the person doesn't agree to their information being handed over, so that creates an immediate tension between the service user and the service provider," said Social Service Providers National Manager Brenda Pilott. The MSD countered that the information would improve services for clients, but added that it would listen to any suggestions from the privacy commissioner and amend their practices as necessary.
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