Computor-data queries

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 2

Computor-data queries

Wellington reporter Anyone requiring a copy of the information recorded on the computer system at the Wanganui Computer Centre about himself or herself should apply to the Privacy Commissioner and not to the centre. The Privacy Commissioner (Mr G. R. Laking) said that of his own volition he had undertaken an inquiry into the case of an employee at the centre who had obtained unauthorised access to information stored in the computer system.

This inquiry’ was now almost completed, and he expected to finalise his report to Parliament very soon. He had received 90 applications for copies of personal information recorded on the computer system. But before he could supply any of this information, he had had to devise administrative procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of the act. “It is apparent that the fublic is not well informed about the nature

of my role under the Wanganui Computer Centre Act, 1976, or of the rights available to the individual under' the act,” Mr Laking said. He was appointed as an officer of Parliament and was answerable to that body. The main responsibility for ensuring that the computer centre was run in accordance with the requirements of the governing statute rested not with him but with the policy committee. His function was to protect individuals against any infringement of their

rights occasioned by improper use of the computer system. One specific function was to meet requests from persons for copies of personal information recorded on the computer system about them. He was also obliged to receive and investigate complaints from persons who had reason to believe that the information recorded about them was wrongfully recorded. The postal address of the Privacy Commissioner is care of P.O. Box 10-152, The Terrace, Wellington.