Дата публикации
In Kazakhstan, more and more institutions are introducing a biometric identification (BI) system, including medical and educational organizations. According to the initiators, this technology is aimed at improving security and control over processes, but it raises many questions and concerns among citizens.
Experts warn of possible risks and the need for strict control over the use of biometric data.
Where and how is BI being introduced?
- From the beginning of 2025, it is planned to introduce Face ID in all hospitals in the country. According to the Ministry of Health, a new project has been launched in Astana to combat falsification of patient visit reports.
Biometrics should help prevent the misuse of budget funds and contributions from insured citizens.
As part of the pilot project in Astana, more than 46 thousand violations related to falsifications were identified. It is planned that from January 1, 2025, the project will be extended to the entire country.
- The Ministry of Education plans to introduce biometric identification in student dormitories to control access and protect against outsiders. The corresponding document is posted on "Open NPA".
The Face ID system in dormitories should eliminate cases of using other people's student passes and increase transparency in the system of placing government orders.
According to the documents of the Ministry of Education, students must live in the dormitory for at least 72 hours a month. In case of violation of this requirement, a refund to the budget will be provided.
- In addition, Kazakhstan plans to oblige users to provide their biometric data, such as facial images, to connect to cellular services and access the Internet.
This data will have to be provided by each subscriber wishing to conclude an agreement for the provision of cellular services.
The new initiative is explained by the fight against fraudsters who register other people's personal data on subscriber numbers and commit crimes in the financial sector.
- This list cannot fail to mention the Qazyna Face project. A pilot project called Face ID has been operating in kindergartens in the Kyzylorda region for over a year. It collects children's biometric data without their parents' consent.
Educators take pictures of children every morning and send the data to the city education department. Parents and human rights activists are concerned about the illegality of such actions.
Experts from the Eurasian Digital Foundation (EDF), at the request of the Kazakhstan Association of Preschool Education, formulated and voiced their legal position on the Qazyna Face pilot project. The project raises serious questions in terms of legality. The lack of parental consent makes data collection illegal, which violates the rights of children and their parents.
The foundation's experts also draw attention to the lack of transparency in matters of data storage and protection. There is no information on whether measures have been taken to ensure the information security of databases where children's biometric data is stored.
EDF experts emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of children and parents when implementing biometric systems. The lack of adequate data protection measures can lead to serious consequences, including cyberattacks and data leaks.
In light of these events, experts urge the Kazakh authorities to be cautious when implementing biometric systems. A thorough analysis of all risks and the creation of a clear legislative framework to protect the rights of citizens and ensure the security of their data are necessary.
In turn, Majilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva proposed that the Kazakh government develop a state BI system to ensure security and data protection, which will be used when receiving government and banking services.
She insists on the need to create reference state databases and protect the rights of citizens who choose alternative authentication methods.
(text translation is done automatically)
Experts warn of possible risks and the need for strict control over the use of biometric data.
Where and how is BI being introduced?
- From the beginning of 2025, it is planned to introduce Face ID in all hospitals in the country. According to the Ministry of Health, a new project has been launched in Astana to combat falsification of patient visit reports.
Biometrics should help prevent the misuse of budget funds and contributions from insured citizens.
As part of the pilot project in Astana, more than 46 thousand violations related to falsifications were identified. It is planned that from January 1, 2025, the project will be extended to the entire country.
- The Ministry of Education plans to introduce biometric identification in student dormitories to control access and protect against outsiders. The corresponding document is posted on "Open NPA".
The Face ID system in dormitories should eliminate cases of using other people's student passes and increase transparency in the system of placing government orders.
According to the documents of the Ministry of Education, students must live in the dormitory for at least 72 hours a month. In case of violation of this requirement, a refund to the budget will be provided.
- In addition, Kazakhstan plans to oblige users to provide their biometric data, such as facial images, to connect to cellular services and access the Internet.
This data will have to be provided by each subscriber wishing to conclude an agreement for the provision of cellular services.
The new initiative is explained by the fight against fraudsters who register other people's personal data on subscriber numbers and commit crimes in the financial sector.
- This list cannot fail to mention the Qazyna Face project. A pilot project called Face ID has been operating in kindergartens in the Kyzylorda region for over a year. It collects children's biometric data without their parents' consent.
Educators take pictures of children every morning and send the data to the city education department. Parents and human rights activists are concerned about the illegality of such actions.
Experts from the Eurasian Digital Foundation (EDF), at the request of the Kazakhstan Association of Preschool Education, formulated and voiced their legal position on the Qazyna Face pilot project. The project raises serious questions in terms of legality. The lack of parental consent makes data collection illegal, which violates the rights of children and their parents.
The foundation's experts also draw attention to the lack of transparency in matters of data storage and protection. There is no information on whether measures have been taken to ensure the information security of databases where children's biometric data is stored.
EDF experts emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of children and parents when implementing biometric systems. The lack of adequate data protection measures can lead to serious consequences, including cyberattacks and data leaks.
In light of these events, experts urge the Kazakh authorities to be cautious when implementing biometric systems. A thorough analysis of all risks and the creation of a clear legislative framework to protect the rights of citizens and ensure the security of their data are necessary.
In turn, Majilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva proposed that the Kazakh government develop a state BI system to ensure security and data protection, which will be used when receiving government and banking services.
She insists on the need to create reference state databases and protect the rights of citizens who choose alternative authentication methods.
(text translation is done automatically)
