At the Global Privacy Assembly in Seoul (15–19 September 2025), New Zealand joined 18 other international data protection regulators, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and several European and Asian authorities, in signing a joint statement on trustworthy data governance for AI.
New Zealand Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster welcomed the move, emphasising the need for global cooperation to address AI’s opportunities and risks. The statement highlights concerns around privacy, discrimination, bias, disinformation, and “hallucinations,” while underlining the importance of privacy-by-design and compliance with existing data protection laws.
Webster noted that while most AI development occurs outside New Zealand, data protection bodies play a key role in shaping governance frameworks and guiding organisations to adopt innovative yet responsible AI practices.
Commitments by signatories include:
- Clarifying lawful grounds for processing AI training data across jurisdictions.
- Setting clear standards and requirements for lawful processing (e.g. consent, contracts, legitimate interests).
- Sharing knowledge on proportionate safety measures.
- Reducing legal uncertainty to allow innovation while safeguarding privacy and fundamental rights.
Source: NZ Lawyer
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