34107 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Internal Affairs

34107 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How, if at all, is AI profiling and/or facial recognition used in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Hon Brooke van Velden: Department of Internal Affairs I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) does not use AI profiling. I am further advised that the Department uses facial recognition when processing applications for New Zealand passports, RealMe Verified digital identity, New Zealand citizenship by grant, and in the Identity Check identity verification service. AI is not used as a part of the Department’s facial recognition. Fire and Emergency New Zealand I am advised that Fire and Emergency New Zealand does not use AI profiling or facial recognition. New Zealand Lotteries Commission I am advised that the New Zealand Lotteries Commission (Lotto NZ) is trialling the use of AI assisted facial recognition to help identify potential winners of unclaimed prizes before the 12-month ticket claim expiry period is up. The AI matching is performed via a third-party provider that uses open-source information to match in-store CCTV footage, which can assist Lotto NZ in its investigation. The initiative was subject to a privacy assessment prior to its approval. Office of Film and Literature Classification I am advised that the Office of Film and Literature Classification does not use AI profiling or facial recognition in the course of its work.