The Russian government explained the centralization of citizens’ biometric data by caring for them

By September 30, all biometric data must be transferred to the state Unified Biometric System (UBS). Organizations had to notify citizens about the transfer of this information to the EBS a month in advance – and, as already reported, the presence of this “cut-off” generated a rush of public demand for the service of refusing to collect and store biometric data. The authorities are reassuring citizens who misunderstood their intentions and are preparing a whole range of services that will be available using biometrics. The government says that storing biometrics in the EBS will improve data security and add convenience to both businesses and citizens.

The “raid” that occurred in August on government service centers by citizens who wanted to refuse the state storage of their biometric data did not affect the authorities’ intention to expand the number of services available using this technology. Let us remind you that since mid-August, MFCs have been faced with an influx of such “refuseniks”. The reason for this was a message sent in instant messengers that the refusal could be issued only until August 31, after which citizens would allegedly be forced to take photographs through ATM cameras and record their voices over the phone (see Kommersant, September 1).

Dispelling these rumors, the authorities explained that there is no legal deadline; a refusal can be issued at any time. The reason for the emergence of fears was a misunderstood norm that organizations collecting biometrics must warn citizens 30 days in advance about their transfer to the Unified Biometric System. At the same time, the deadline established by law for submitting data to this state information system is September 30. From November 28, 2023, biometric profiles of citizens will be stored only in the EBS.

Let us explain that now, using biometric data (facial image and voice recording), you can enter the government services portal, receive an eSIM (virtual SIM card), issue an electronic signature certificate for an individual, receive services online that require identification confirmation (for example, take a bank loan or open a deposit), apply for a fan card remotely, and go to the territory of government organizations. To date, more than 74 million biometric profiles have been created in the Russian Federation (Sberbank alone has accumulated data for 30 million people) – among them there are also non-unique ones, but it is still difficult to name their exact number.

The government reminds that in the near future the list of services available using biometrics should increase. So, at the end of 2023 – at the beginning of 2024, it is planned to launch the “Opening an Online Business” super service, which will allow you to remotely register a company, open an account and receive an electronic signature (see “Kommersant” dated July 26). In October-November of this year, it is planned to launch the project “payment by face” (bioacquiring) for goods and services no more than 2.5 thousand rubles. Another service is the issuance of an electronic signature (ES) for entrepreneurs and civil servants (November-December 2023) – biometrics will allow you to remotely obtain the necessary certificate of an enhanced qualified ES. Also, at the end of the year, it is planned to launch payment for travel using biometrics (registered in the EBS) in the Moscow Metro, for 2024 – confirmation of the passenger’s identity when boarding long-distance trains (see “Kommersant” dated July 27).

“Our idea is to create comfortable conditions for the development of the business environment,” Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Government Dmitry Grigorenko explained to Kommersant. “We are reducing the administrative burden on business, making the rules simple and transparent, and softening their control. At the same time, we are working to make services simpler and more accessible. To do this, we are introducing new technologies and improving the client path so that both citizens and businesses receive public services as proactively as possible, not even in one click, but even faster and more conveniently.”

The expected centralization of biometric data in the EBS, according to the authorities, will be beneficial to business, citizens and the state itself. As noted in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, entrepreneurs will be relieved of the need to comply with strict requirements for working with biometrics and form complex mechanisms for its protection. Citizens will see all their consents to the processing of biometrics and will be able to manage them online. For the state, the benefit is that it will be easier to control the security of data when they are in one place and the GIS operator is a state-owned company, the interlocutor of Kommersant close to the White House notes.

Venera Petrova