Russia Moves to Allow Biometric Data Processing for Suspects and Convicts Without Consent
Russian law enforcement agencies may soon receive the official right to process biometric data of suspects, accused persons, and convicted individuals without obtaining their personal consent. A corresponding draft bill has already been submitted to the government for consideration.
The document is planned for review at the next cabinet meeting, TASS reports. If the initiative receives support, prior permission from the individual will no longer be required for the use of biometric information in criminal proceedings.
Biometric data in this context may include fingerprints, facial images, voice recordings, and other physiological or behavioral characteristics that allow identification of a person. The bill is still at the proposal stage, so the exact procedures for collection, storage, and use of the information may be further refined.
The proposed measure extends not only to individuals whose guilt has already been confirmed by a court but also to suspects and accused persons. For all other citizens, providing biometric data to the Unified Biometric System remains voluntary.
These voluntary records are used for remote identity confirmation and access to financial and government services without presenting a paper passport. Citizens can register their biometrics through officially designated service centers and digital platforms.
The initiative effectively creates two separate regimes: for ordinary users, biometrics stay an optional convenience feature, while for participants in criminal cases the data become a mandatory tool for law enforcement without the need for individual approval.
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