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The final biometrics code, which governs how technology such as facial recognition, is collected and used, has just been released by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
The Code, which is now law under the Privacy Act, aims to ensure agencies implementing biometric technologies are doing it safely and in a way that is proportionate.
Facial recognition technology has come under increased scrutiny in recent years - particularly its use in retail stores.
Retailers say with workers and other customers facing high rates of verbal and physical abuse from repeat offenders the technology is a necessary crime-prevention tool.
Foodstuffs North Island recently trialed the technology - however the results suggested hundreds of shoppers a year could be misidentified.
The Privacy Commissioner's review then made a range of recommendations to improve the system.
Facial recognition also has a history of being less accurate the darker the skin of a person, though some algorithms are better than others, and the technology is improving.
A Māori Reference Panel set up at the end of 2024 told the commissioner it opposed the use of facial recognition use in supermarkets.
The Privacy Commissioner is Michael Webster, and Retail NZ chief executive is Carolyn Young.
