Russia bans forced biometrics collection
A new law forbids discriminating against those who refuse to provide such data | Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill that regulates the collection and use of the biometric data of the country’s citizens. ● The legislation approved by Putin on Thursday introduces a new state-operated Unified Biometrics System (UBS), set to be created next year. The UBS will handle all biometrics collected from Russian nationals, including face images and voice samples. However, the law prohibits forcibly collecting such data. ● Russians seeking to maintain the privacy of their biometric data will be able to opt out of having it collected. They will also be able to easily have it deleted from the system should they change their minds if it has already been gathered. The legislation also outlaws any discrimination against those who decide not to provide such information, stating that a refusal cannot be used as grounds for denying an individual state-provided services or employment. ● Effectively, the law makes the state the sole operator of biometric data in the country. Previously, any legal entity was able to collect and use such data in Russia. The legislation also restricts the participation of foreign actors in biometrics collection, enabling only state-owned entities to gather such data.