Personal wearable devices

Personal wearable devices, are items such as fitness devices, hearing aids, smart watches and devices embedded in clothing.

These devices can use radio frequencies (RF) in various parts of the spectrum to communicate including Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite, RFID (radio frequency identification), NFC (near field communication) and Bluetooth frequencies as well as providing data storage capability, audio and video recording and USB connectivity. All such wearable or mobile devices are considered to be transmitters.

Personal wearable devices can be equipped with a variety of capabilities including smart phone pairing, internet connectivity, cameras, speakerphones, audio and video recording and remote control. Some devices (for example Narrative and Autographer) will automatically take snapshots at intervals during the day. In some cases the snapshots are geotagged.

Such devices are also susceptible to Internet malware and exploits. All risks related to the use of the Internet will apply to these devices.

All medical devices must have an approved medical exception or waiver to enter a Zone 4 or Zone 5 space, given that they are deemed to be personal electronic devices, and therefore prohibited from such areas.

Inspection of medical devices to be used in Zone 4 and Zone 5 sites is the responsibility of the particular agency. Medical devices to be used in SCIFs must be inspected by the Government Communications Security Bureau as part of the approval process, and used with any conditions applicable.  Generally, any type of radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, cellular, wireless, Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication) or similar capability or recording functionality is not acceptable in these devices, and they must not connect to any external device whilst in the security zone.

The following is needed to facilitate an approval:

  • an exception request (template available from GCSB)

  • evidence of need/requirement (normally this is a doctor’s certificate or equivalent)

  • a signed user agreement form (template available from GCSB)


Email Techliaison@gcsb.govt.nz for copies of GCSB template