Firearm buyback website shut down after possible data breach

A platform for the firearm buy-back programme has been closed down after a potential privacy breach, NZ Police have confirmed.

Information on more than 70,000 notifications, including details of licensed firearm owners, their firearms, and their bank account numbers, were accessible to webpage users, Council of Firearm Owners (COLFO) said in a press release issue this afternoon, adding that they know of several reporters who have reported this to the organisation.

“They were able to screenshot and download information. This means that gang members or other criminal elements could have accessed this information before our supporters found the breach,” the statement read.

A statement issued by NZ Police did not detail the extent of the issue but said they were made aware of the potential issue by a member of the public.

They have advised the office of the Privacy Commissioner.

No further information is available at this time.

Deputy commissioner Mike Clement is due to hold a press conference on Monday afternoon.

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