Digital ID Built On Three Myths And One Shaky Promise

Media Release | 17 November 2025 | For immediate release

PILLAR Warns: Digital ID Built On Three Myths And One Shaky Promise

PILLAR is sounding the alarm as the Government moves ahead with a national digital identity system, warning that New Zealanders are being misled by promises of security, convenience, cost savings, and assurances it will not be mandatory. Following an announcement this afternoon from Hon. Judith Collins, PILLAR says these claims do not justify a system that threatens personal freedom, equal access to services, and exposes citizens to unprecedented privacy risks.

“Cost saving and convenience are poor reasons to overhaul how New Zealanders prove who they are,” says PILLAR Executive Director Nathan Seiuli. “We cannot trade fundamental freedoms and privacy for minor administrative gains.”

Minister Judith Collins has promoted digital identity services as safer and more secure, while emphasising that no one will be required to use them. Yet she has also praised the Government App as the more convenient way to access services, positioning it as the path of least resistance. “this is exactly how ‘optional’ systems become unavoidable” said Seiuli.

“Access to essential services should never depend on whether someone adopts a government digital ID,” says Seiuli. “Did we learn nothing from vaccine mandates? Once digital pathways become the norm, choice becomes an illusion. How long will this stay optional?”

Concerns have intensified following an RNZ investigation revealing more than 30 billion digital credentials for sale on the dark web. These included compromised logins for 18,000 government workers, 3,200 banking staff, 2,000 healthcare accounts, and links to almost 198,000 New Zealand companies and entities.

“If our most trusted sectors cannot protect their data, we should not believe a digital ID network will keep New Zealanders safe,” says Seiuli. “The risk of mass privacy breaches will only grow.”

Globally, digital ID systems have been used to restrict access, pressure behaviour, and enforce compliance. Many countries have backed away from them—while China remains the most prominent adopter.

“What was once dismissed as science fiction is now happening,” says Seiuli. “We see versions of these systems emerging in the United Kingdom and Canada, and they are coming to Australia and New Zealand.”

Both ACT and New Zealand First have raised concerns, with NZ First introducing legislation to protect physical IDs. PILLAR will continue to oppose moves to implement systems that infringe on freedom and privacy for all kiwis.

ENDS

Media Contact - nathan@nzpillar.com