The Russian state biometric data cache is getting larger. According to Vladislav Povolotsky, General Director of the Center for Biometric Technologies, almost 3 million users have registered their biometric data on the Russian Unified Biometric System.

Povolotsky told TASS that this milestone was achieved as Russian authorities pushed biometrics for new services, enticing the population to enroll to enjoy these services due to their seamless operation.

He revealed:

We focused on what was interesting to people, and received a positive response. The number of registrations reached almost three million.

Povolotsky revealed that almost 80% of all citizens registered in the system last year, possibly coinciding with a ramp-up of offerings taking advantage of this data.

The rise of biometrics comes as the population has started to consider these technologies more positively. The stance of Russians on biometrics has changed, going from having the acceptance of 27% in 2023 to 41% in 2024. Povolotsky believes this change of heart is part of this resurgence.

The Russian Unified Biometric System was launched in 2018 after biometrics became regulated the year before. In 2023, lawmakers passed a law forcing companies possessing biometric data from citizens to deliver it to the system, including banks.

Now, the system has become pivotal for certain activities requiring personal data verification, including travel, contactless payments, and SIM card purchases, among others.

Banks are creating a unified system for customers to enter their facial biometric data and enjoy interoperability in their payments network. It is expected that at least 50% of all payment terminals in the country will support this payment method by the second half of 2025.

Read more: Russia to Launch Unified Facial Payment System

Nonetheless, human rights organizations have warned about the use of this data for unintended purposes. Anastasia Krupoe, a Human Rights Watch researcher, noted that these activities “drastically increase the threat of surveillance for people living in Russia.”

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