In Series 6 of the Digital Download: Looking to 2025 and beyond, we discuss the key legal and regulatory developments we can expect to see in the tech space in 2025, in relation to space and advanced aviation tech, gene tech, cyber, privacy, AI, governance, and data and biometrics.
Epsiode One: Timeline of Expected Regulatory Developments in the Technology Space
Welcome to the Digital Download. In this Digital Download: Looking to 2025 and beyond, we discuss the key legal and regulatory developments we can expect to see in the tech space in 2025 and beyond. In this series, we cover:
- Consumer Data Right;
- Space Tech;
- Biotech;
- Cybercrime;
- Cyber Security;
- Privacy Act Amendments;
- AI; and
- Biometrics.
Episode One: Timeline of Expected Regulatory Developments in the Tech Space
We're kicking off in this episode with a snapshot of what's to come.
Topic |
Key developments |
Key Dates |
|
Consumer Data Right |
The Select Committee deadline to provide its report on, and recommend changes to, the Consumer and Product Data Bill is 23 January 2025. The Government expects the Bill will be passed into law in early 2025, establishing a consumer data right in New Zealand.
If the CDR regime is enacted the open banking regulations are intended to come into force in December 2025, at which time ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac will be designated under the CDR. Kiwibank will follow in June 2026, and any other New Zealand banks may participate if they wish.
|
January 2025: Deadline for Select Committee report on Bill, including any recommended changes to Bill.
Early 2025: Bill expected to be passed into law and Government is expected to decide whether the banking and electricity sectors are to be designated in scope.
December 2025: Banking regulations and standards will come into force. ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac will be designated under the CDR.
June 2026: Kiwibank will be designated under the CDR.
During 2026: If the electricity sector is designated as in scope of the CDR, electricity regulations and standards will be rolled out. |
|
Privacy Act Amendments
|
Modernisation of the Privacy Act has been flagged as a priority by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. At this stage, there is no indication of a major reform but two Bills containing smaller amendments are underway.
If the Privacy Amendment Bill is successful, it is expected to bring a new privacy principle into force on 1 June 2025.
Submissions on the Statutes Amendment Bill close on 4 December 2024, and if successful, will make minor technical amendments to the Privacy Act also in the first half of 2025. |
Privacy Amendment Bill
June 2025: Privacy Amendment Bill expected to be passed into law and new IPP 3A to be in force.
Statutes Amendment Bill
December 2024: Submissions close on Statutes Amendment Bill.
First half of 2025: Statutes Amendment Bill expected to be passed into law. |
|
AI |
As mentioned in our last series, the Cabinet Office has indicated that New Zealand's approach to AI will not involve the creation of an AI Act. Instead, it intends to take a light touch, risk-based approach to AI regulation and leverage existing regulatory mechanisms.
As part of that 'light touch' approach, Minister Collins announced in October that public consultation on a national AI strategy is planned for 2025.
We’ll look at the other steps the Government is taking on AI in episode 4. |
During 2025: Possible public service agency cross-portfolio AI work programme.
During 2025: Public consultation on a national AI strategy.
|
|
Cybercrime
|
Public submissions are currently being sought on the Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill, which proposes to align New Zealand's computer-related offending legislation with the Budapest Convention.
If enacted, it will enhance New Zealand's ability to work with other countries signed up to the Convention on cybercrime investigations and ensure our cybercrime offences are aligned to the Convention's standards.
The closing date for submissions on the Bill is 28 November and the Select Committee report is due in April next year. If enacted, the Bill is expected to be passed into law by in October 2025. |
Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill
November 2024: Submissions on Bill close.
April 2025: Select Committee report is due.
October 2025: Final date that Bill is expected to be passed into law (to the extent not passed earlier by an Order in Council). |
|
Space Tech
|
In September 2024, Minister Collins launched the refreshed New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy.
In connection with that strategy, the Government has committed to having a world-class regulatory environment for space and advanced aviation by the end of 2025.
We'll take a deeper diver into space tech in episode 2. |
September 2024: New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy launched.
End of 2025: New world-class regulatory environment for space and advanced aviation to be in place. |
|
Biotechnology
|
In August 2024, Minister Collins announced the Government's intention to pass legislation ending what has been a 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab.
Draft legislation is to be introduced into Parliament by the end of 2024 with the legislation passed and a regulator appointed by the end of 2025.
We'll discuss the new gene tech legislation in more detail in episode 3. |
Gene Technology Legislation
August 2024: Announcement that ban on gene technology outside of the lab will be lifted.
December 2024: Draft Gene Technology Bill to be introduced into Parliament.
December 2025: Gene technology legislation passed and regulator in operation. |
In the upcoming episodes, we are going to be taking a deeper dive into some of these developments, starting with space tech next week.