Privacy Act 2020

Sharing, accessing, and matching personal information - Identity information

164: Interpretation

You could also call this:

"What special words mean in the Privacy Act 2020"

Illustration for Privacy Act 2020

When you read this part of the law, some words have special meanings. You need to know what these words mean to understand the law. The law explains what these words mean.

The law says that to "access" a database means to look at or use the information in it, even if you are not physically with the database. You can access a database from another location, which is called remote access. An "accessing agency" is an organisation that is allowed to look at or use your personal information, and these organisations are listed in Schedule 3.

The law also explains what "biometric information" is, which is information about your body, like your fingerprints or a scan of your eyes. It can also include a photograph of your face. This information can be used to identify you, and it can be stored electronically.

A "database" is a system that stores information, like a computer or a filing cabinet. A "holder agency" is an organisation that is in charge of storing and protecting your personal information, and these organisations are also listed in Schedule 3.

The law says that "identity information" is any information that can be used to identify you, like your name, address, or date of birth. It can also include your biometric information, like your fingerprints, or a photograph of you. Identity information can also include details about your travel documents, like your passport, or any distinguishing features you have, like tattoos or birthmarks.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS23610.


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163: Relationship between this subpart and other law relating to information disclosure, or

"How this law works with other laws about sharing personal information"


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165: Access by agencies to identity information, or

"Agencies can access your identity information for specific reasons."

Part 7Sharing, accessing, and matching personal information
Identity information

164Interpretation

  1. In this subpart,—

    access, in relation to a database, includes remote access to that database

      accessing agency means an agency specified in the first column of Schedule 3

        biometric information, in relation to a person, means information that comprises—

        1. 1 or more of the following kinds of personal information:
          1. a photograph of all or any part of the person’s head and shoulders:
            1. impressions of the person’s fingerprints:
              1. a scan of the person’s irises; and
              2. an electronic record of the personal information that is capable of being used for biometric matching

                database means any information recording system or facility used by an agency to store information

                  holder agency means an agency specified in the third column of Schedule 3

                    identity information, in relation to an individual, means any information that identifies, or relates to the identity of, the individual, and includes (without limitation) the following information:

                    1. the individual’s biographical details (for example, the individual’s name, address, date of birth, place of birth, and gender):
                      1. the individual’s biometric information:
                        1. a photograph or visual image of the individual:
                          1. details of the individual’s—
                            1. New Zealand travel document; or
                              1. certificate of identity:
                              2. details of any distinguishing features (including tattoos and birthmarks).

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