Phil Pennington,RNZ stories

Phil Pennington, a reputable journalist with RNZ, delves into the intricate world of cyber security and technology within New Zealand's public sector. His analytical approach sheds light on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by health IT systems, which have been found susceptible to significant cyber-attacks.

With a keen eye for detail, Pennington explores the controversies surrounding government agencies, particularly the criticism levelled at the Department of Internal Affairs for their handling of compromised intelligence systems and the consequent risks to data integrity.

Pennington's investigative pieces often reveal a disconnect between policy and practice, as seen in his reporting on the exclusion of district health boards from important SIS cyber security programmes and the refusal to divulge details about cyber security defences, especially in the wake of ransomware attacks.

His interest goes beyond cyber defence; he also sheds light on the emerging technological concerns such as the New Zealand Police's retraction of an algorithm designed to predict motorists' behaviours and the potential data privacy risks posed by police drones possibly interfacing with servers accessible to the Chinese government.

The implications of technology on civil liberties and rights also resonate in Pennington's work, as he challenges the claims of global tech giants over data control and raises the issue of the government overlooking Māori data specialists' input on facial recognition technology.

Lastly, Pennington critically examines the biases potentially inherent in police use of algorithms, highlighting concerns that such tools may exacerbate existing discrimination within law enforcement. His stories tackle the complex intersection of technology, governance, and social equity with a methodical and thoughtful approach.