Forget AUKUS – NZ central to global data sharing of millions of traveller records through shadowy Migration 5 program

_{Summarised by Centrist} 

New Zealand is a key member of an extensive network sharing millions of personal traveller records between countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. 

As part of the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance, New Zealand’s role includes hosting and administrating the ‘Migration 5’ scheme, which shares up to eight million biometric records annually. 

Immigration ministers from the five countries have been actively involved in these networks, setting agendas on issues like people-smuggling, cyber-security, cybercrime, child sex exploitation, and human trafficking.

Despite the benefits of enhanced security and streamlined travel, the lack of transparency and oversight raises significant privacy concerns. 

Critics argue that the deepening data-sharing networks pose risks of abuse and lack sufficient democratic accountability and oversight.

Read more over at RNZ