Ministry of Digital Development: less than 1% of Russians wrote applications refusing to process biometrics

Less than 1% of Russians wrote statements to the MFC refusing to collect and process their biometric data in the Unified Biometric System (UBS), reported Telegram channel of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation.

“After sending out fake messages in instant messengers about the need to refuse to collect biometrics, less than 1% of Russians signed up for it,” the message says.

The scammers urged people to come to the MFC before September 1, but a refusal to process data can be written at any time, the department emphasized.

The average age of Russians who refused to collect biometrics is 60-70 years old, 69% of them are pensioners or unemployed. 71% of them do not use public services, and over 40% live in small settlements. In addition, 12% of all applications were written by parents for their children.

The EBS was created in 2018 on the initiative of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications (successor – the Ministry of Digital Development) and the Bank of Russia. Its operator was “Rostelecom” Scenarios for using the system were initially tailored to the banking sector and included the possibility of opening a bank account or obtaining a loan.

On June 1, a law came into force according to which biometrics will be processed only within the EBS. Banks and other organizations that store such data must transfer it to the system by September 30, 2023, notifying customers 30 days before the transfer.

Biometric data is provided voluntarily. At the end of 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that prohibits the forced collection of biometrics and any discrimination against those who refuse to submit it. On August 31, Roskachestvo reminded that Russians will be able to refuse to collect and store biometrics at any time; there are no specific deadlines for refusing to transfer them.