Investigation into the COVID-19 Active Cases Privacy Breach
An investigation into the alleged breach of sensitive personal information relating to active Covid-19 cases, at the request of the Minister of State Services, led by Michael Heron QC.
On 6 July 2020, Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes said the Minister of State Services, the Hon Chris Hipkins, had asked him to undertake an investigation into the alleged breach of sensitive personal information relating to current active Covid-19 cases. Mr Hughes appointed Mr Michael Heron QC, to lead the investigation.
The objectives of the investigation were to look into the incident with a focus on:
- identifying who or what caused the personal information to be disclosed;
- identifying what, if anything, might have prevented this from happening; and
- any improvements that might avoid a similar incident in the future.
Issues relating to the containment of the privacy breach and notification of affected people were considered separately outside the investigation.
Terms of reference and related information
Media statement: Investigation into COVID-19 active cases privacy breach
Terms of reference: Investigation into the COVID-19 Active Cases Privacy Breach