MOSCOW, September 13 Less than 1% of Russians filed an application to refuse the processing of biometric data through the MFC, the Ministry of Digital Development reported and clarified that such a refusal is optional can be issued at any time.
“Less than 1% of Russian residents wrote applications to the MFC refusing to process biometrics,” the ministry notes, specifying that this happened “after sending out fake messages in instant messengers about the need to refuse to collect biometrics.”
“The scammers called for people to come to the MFC before August 31, but in fact, if desired, a refusal to collect biometrics can be issued at any time, and storing data in a unified biometric system allows you to ensure their security,” the message says.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Russians aged 60-70 years most often refused to store biometrics; 69% were unemployed or retired. Almost half of them (40%) live in small towns, and 71% do not use the State Services portal. 65% of those who refused were women, 35% were men. Parents wrote 12% of the total applications for their children.
The ministry reminded that biometric data cannot be collected without the owner’s knowledge — he must give written consent. “All submitted biometrics will be stored in a secure database — a unified biometric system (UBS). The information in it is encrypted, only accredited organizations have access to it… You can change your mind and delete your data at any time. Refusals are accepted at the MFC,” they added to the Ministry of Digital Development.
From June 1, the law came into force, according to which biometric personal data will now be processed only within the Unified Biometric System (UBS). Banks and other organizations that store biometrics must transfer this data by September 30, 2023. A person can refuse to register biometrics through the MFC if he does not plan to use such technology in the future.