New Zealanders have growing concerns about the security of their personal details online.

According to new research released by InternetNZ, 52 per cent of New Zealanders are either ‘extremely concerned' or ‘very concerned' about the security of their personal details when used online. This is up 46 per cent from the year prior.

Almost a third of New Zealanders say they have experienced increased concerns about using their personal details online over the last 12 months. Of these people, 80 per cent are less likely to use their personal details online as a result.

Identity theft concerns are also a developing issue in New Zealand, as over 66 per cent of respondents are either ‘extremely' or ‘very concerned' about it. This is up from 61 per cent in 2020.

Concerns with threats to privacy such as location tracking are also high at 63 per cent.

InternetNZ Chief Executive Jordan Carter says more people chose not to use at least one online service due to privacy and security concerns in 2021.

'66 per cent of New Zealanders didn't feel the service was safe enough to trust it with their personal information, compared to 56 per cent the year before.

'With the Internet being a lifeline for many of us during the global pandemic – when online is often the only way to connect with others, make a living, pay the bills and make necessary purchases – privacy and personal information security become fundamentally important.”

Acting Privacy Commissioner Liz MacPherson, suggests that the growing concern about online security displays the need for organisations to retain people's trust and confidence.

'Having an easy to understand privacy statement, that tells people how their personal information will be used, is an important part of giving people confidence that their personal information is well cared for,” says Liz.

This will give online users the confidence there are safeguards in place to prevent the loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure of their personal information under the Privacy Act.