From Computerworld, 1 April 1991. Typed in by The Bear... I have spoken with Randall Jackson of Computerworld's Wellington office, this story is NOT a hoax. PM'S TEAM GETS SET TO MOVE ON ID CARDS by Clive Mathew-Wilson The Government plans to introduce a National Identity Number scheme for all New Zealanders by the end of next year, Computerworld sources say. The numbering system is likely to involve the use of a "smart" ID card. A team working on the project with the Prime Minister's office has yet to announce its findings to Parliament, but it is understood it is the format of the ID scheme, not the scheme itself, that is being debated. Usually reliable sources within Parliament suggest the ID scheme - originally proposed by the International Monetary Fund - was already part of Treasury's economic reform plans before the election, and that it is being implemented virtually without change by the new Government. The first stage of implementation - data sharing between the Social Welfare department and the IRD - is expected to take place shortly. It is understood that in place of any new common identity numbering scheme, the issuing and control of IRD numbers will be tightened, and an IRD number used in all relevant transactions throughout various government departments. More than 1.7 million ID numbers are currently allocated to wage and salary earners, and recent changes to tax laws require every bank account to be tagged with an IRD number by 1992. This would, in effect, give every New Zealander a unique, computerised serial number. It is believed the only real problems facing the ID card scheme are those of computer power. Doubts have been raised over the ability of existing systems to cope with the information-handling and storage needs of a National ID Card. The most likely scenario at present, entails a gradual phasing-in of both the card and the information-matching based around it, starting with data-matching between the huge Social Welfare and IRD computer systems, which operate out of the same GCS installation at Trentham. One key target of the ID card is understood to be the public health system. The computerised "smart" card, with its instant reference to a person's income details, is to be used to target healthcare as the public health system is wound down. If Computerworld's source is correct, a number of politicians and civil servants appear to have been economical with the truth. Prime Minister Jim Bolger, while he was in opposition, undertook not to introduce a common identification number system, despite a confirmation by the IRD at the time that the IRD number was, in fact, such a system already. Similarly, shortly before the elections last year Inland Revenue Commissioner Dave Henry denied the IRD had plans to link its computer systems with those of Customs, Births, Deaths and Marriages, Social Welfare, Housing Corporation and ACC. Shortly after the election, plans to link the Social Welfare and IRD computers were announced. The Australian Government, which failed dismally in its plans to launch a national ID card, is understood to be watching the New Zealand experiment with interest, pending a possible re-introduction of the scheme in Australia in a somewhat different form. Civil liberties spokesperson Barry Wilson attacks what he terms a "conspiracy of silence" over the issue. "When has there been any informed public debate over whether New Zealanders need or want ID cards? The public, by and large, has been completely ignored," he says. "New Zealanders voted against the ID card scheme when they dumped Labour." Computerworld sought ministerial and IRD response on the issues, but neither had answered our calls by press time. EOF KIWICARD AND YOU ---------------- New Zealand Privacy Foundation PO BOX 3385 AUCKLAND, NZ Phone (011649) 298-8651, (011649) 674-429 MEMBERSHIP $10 WAGED, $5 UNWAGED KIWICARD AND YOU... In a pre-election speech Ruth Richardson said, "ID cards have got all the trappings of Big Brother - I am a freedom loving New Zealander." Jim Bolger said "National absolutely rejected any proposal for a common numbering system between the two departments [Inland Revenue and Social Welfare] or for identity cards." BROKEN PROMISES! Soon the data matching between these departments is to commence, and the first Kiwicards, or Community Services Cards, as we are supposed to call them, are to be sent to beneficiaries. THE GOVERNMENT TELLS US THE CARDS ARE VOLUNTARY, yet they are automatically to be sent out to beneficiaries and pensioners. They are needed to obtain free or subsidised health care and many families are so hard pressed by job losses and benefit cuts that the card will be a necessity. Each card has the CARDHOLDER'S NAME AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. So much for that promise. THE CARDS HAVE A MAGNETIC STRIPE which Mrs Shipley states is never to be read by a machine. If that is the case, why is it on the card? THEY ESTABLISH ENTITLEMENT TO SUBSIDISED HEALTH CARE BUT ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY SOPHISTICATED TO DO THIS ON THEIR OWN. The Minister of Health has said that "up to five cards may be involved." The obvious next step is to make the card "smart". How long do you think it will take for the Government to break its promise not to make it a "smart" card? Maybe they will keep that promise and give the "smart" card another name. "Dumb" or "smart", and whatever it is called, the Kiwicard still stinks. QUESTIONS WE NEED TO ASK - Why are new cards being devised for health care when we already have adequate existing systems? - Why was the legislation for the Kiwicard rushed through without consultation with the public or a Parliamentary Select Committee hearing? - Why are enormous amounts of money being spent on computer system when these funds could be targeted to health care users? - If the Kiwicard is not to be extended to other fields, why is the legislation authorising it worded to allow much more extensive use? - Why are there no safeguards against the misuse of the card by Government agencies, such as the police, or by private enterprise? - There has been no formal cost-benefit analysis to assess a need for data matching. It is likely to cost well in excess of half a billion dollars and will bring unproven and unknown financial return. How can this sort of expense be justified? - Although the card has been presented as a health entitlement card for low income earners, it has been stated to be inadequate for the task. A member of the Government "Change Team" told TV3 that a "smart" national ID card is being planned for all New Zealanders. The New Zealand Privacy Foundation believes that the Kiwicard is the thin end of the wedge, paving the way for the "smart" card. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW ZEALND PRIVACY FOUNDATION - To act as a watchdog on privacy issues. - To put a stop to the Kiwicard (now known as Community Services Card) and related erosions of personal privacy, including information swapping between Government departments and proposals to introduce "unique personal identifiers." - To oppose the development of surveillance systems that intrude upon the rights and privacy of the indiviual, especially systems of data matching, identification cards and unique numbering systems. - To campaign and lobby for the protection of the individual against privacy intrusion. - To educate New Zealanders and increase public awareness in relation to the right of personal privacy and privacy issues. - To conduct research into privacy related issues and technologies. JOIN THE NEW ZEALAND PRIVACY FOUNDATION: Send to : The Trustees NEW ZEALAND PRIVACY FOUNDATION PO BOX 3385 AUCKLAND CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS : (09) 298-8651, (09) 674-429 ............................................................................... MEMBERSHIP FORM Please enrol me as a member of the New Zealand Privacy Foundation. Name .......................................................... Address .......................................................... .......................................................... .......................................................... Phone ................................... I enclose $ .......................... annual membership/donation (MEMBERSHIP $10 WAGED, $5 UNWAGED)