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John Edwards stories

John Edwards, a noted figure in the realm of privacy and data protection, has penned insightful columns that delve into significant issues impacting privacy both in New Zealand and beyond. His writings often explore the implications of human errors in privacy breaches, the intricacies of privacy legislation, and the operational facets of cybersecurity. Edwards' perspectives are informed by his tenure as New Zealand's Privacy Commissioner, during which he actively engaged in shaping and enforcing privacy policies. His interest in safeguarding data privacy is further underscored by his involvement in events such as TechFest 2020, where he emphasized the business risks associated with neglecting privacy concerns.

Throughout his career, Edwards has been at the forefront of advocating for stringent privacy regulations, as evidenced by his support for new privacy-related measures such as mandatory breach legislation and compliance notices for significant national entities like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. His leadership extended to pivotal roles, notably marked by his designation as the preferred candidate for the UK Information Commissioner. Edwards' columns not only reflect on past and present privacy issues but also look forward to the evolving challenges in data protection, resonating with a broad audience that ranges from policymakers to the general public in New Zealand and overseas.

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Aotearoa's new Privacy Commissioner shares focus moving forward

Mon, 29th Aug 2022
New Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster aims to prioritize privacy and increase data safety in New Zealand organizations.
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Aotearoa gets a new Privacy Commissioner: Michael Webster replaces John Edwards

Wed, 8th Jun 2022
Michael Webster, who is currently the Secretary of the Cabinet, will step into the Privacy Commissioner role on 5 July 2022.
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OPC finds leading cause of privacy breaches is human error

Wed, 1st Dec 2021
Human error is responsible for the majority of serious privacy breaches, with email errors accounting for over a quarter, a report by the OPC reveals.
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The biggest cyber-attacks of 2021 in New Zealand

Tue, 5th Oct 2021
Cyber attacks have surged in New Zealand, hitting organisations of all sizes across various sectors, raising concerns about data security.
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Privacy Commissioner issues compliance notice to Reserve Bank following 2020 cyber attack

Wed, 15th Sep 2021
Privacy Commissioner issues compliance notice to Reserve Bank of New Zealand for breaching Privacy Act after cyber attack on third-party file sharing service.
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Privacy Commissioner John Edwards tipped for top role as UK Information Commissioner

Fri, 27th Aug 2021
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards named preferred candidate for UK Information Commissioner, pending UK Parliament's decision.
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Waikato DHB won't face fines for data breach, but may face liability - Privacy Commissioner

Wed, 30th Jun 2021
Waikato District Health Board will face liability if harm is caused by patient data leaked in ransomware attack, says Privacy Commissioner.
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First AML awarded Privacy Trust Mark

Fri, 22nd Jan 2021
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has awarded First AML a Privacy Trust Mark for its anti-money laundering platform.
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SecOps opens new Cyber Defence Operations Centre in Auckland

Thu, 17th Sep 2020
SecOps opens new Cyber Defence Operations Centre in Auckland's Parnell, with Privacy Commissioner officially opening the facility.
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Privacy Act to roll out in December as Kiwis support stronger privacy laws

Tue, 30th Jun 2020
Of 1398 polled New Zealanders, 65% are in favour of strong privacy regulation, 29% are happy with the same level of regulation, and 6% prefer less legislation.
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Privacy Bill will mandate more transparency in Kiwi businesses - OPC

Mon, 16th Mar 2020
New Zealand businesses must prepare for new regulations around mandatory breach legislation, warns the Privacy Bill.
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Privacy Commissioner John Edwards speaks at TechFest 2020

Tue, 3rd Mar 2020
Edwards has a clear message: If New Zealand businesses undermine the issue of privacy, they will ruin their business.