Michael Webster
New ZealandpoliticianMale3.0Global Dominance: 0.00%Michael Webster is the Privacy Commissioner of New Zealand, responsible for overseeing the implementation of privacy laws and addressing concerns related to the use of personal data. Recently, he has been evaluating the use of facial recognition technology in supermarkets, aiming to balance the need for retail security with individuals' privacy rights.
Country presence
Recent news mentions
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster described the breach as one of New Zealand’s biggest and worst.
Manage My Health privacy breach provides lessons for us all – Frith TweedieNew Zealand· 2026-06-01
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster has continued his predecessor John Edwards’ call for tougher penalties.
Five ways to make patient portals like ManageMyHealth more secureNew Zealand· 2026-01-17
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster had been consulted but he also would not give any details.
Government promises to give police more information-collecting powers, details scantNew Zealand· 2025-08-26
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster recently gave facial recognition trials by our two major supermarket chains his cautious tick of approval.
Kiwi crime-fighting software firm Auror gets big tick from UK Govt, medtech Formus Labs nears commercial launch in the US - Tech InsiderNew Zealand· 2025-07-07
Michael Webster is the Privacy Commissioner who discussed the challenges in identifying drone operators.
CAA records six-year high in drone incidents amid fears for spying devicesNew Zealand· 2025-06-20
Commissioner Michael Webster said concerns included 'the unnecessary or unfair collection of people’s information', misidentification and technical bias.
Farmers and The Warehouse give body cameras to staff after concerns of ‘abusive’ customer behaviourNew Zealand· 2025-06-06
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster is currently evaluating the supermarket trial and expects to release his findings in June.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith backs facial recognition software to prevent shoplifting, despite privacy concernsNew Zealand· 2025-04-14