The expert called the use of biometrics in schools an inevitable stage of digitalization

Biometrics is becoming an integral part of the digital infrastructure, and conversations about its implementation in schools can no longer be perceived as a discussion of the future — this technology is being used here and now. Alexey Karpunin, head of the Operational Efficiency and Business Digitalization Practice, partner at 5D Consulting, told Izvestia on December 3.

"So far, to start communicating with an organization, you need to personally go, fill out paperwork and confirm your identity in the old way, this cannot be called real digitalization. Biometrics provides simplicity, speed, and much more accurate identification," the source said.

The expert noted that the main risks with the use of biometrics in schools are related to the organization of its storage and the level of data protection. He stressed the need for clear access regulations: who can access information, for what purposes and on what basis. In addition, Karpunin pointed out that the draft sets a maximum retention period for biometric data of up to three years, and compliance with this requirement should be strictly monitored.

In addition, he is the chief lawyer of the Kontur product group. Aegis and Staffcop, an information security legal expert, added that a clear methodology based on government regulation should be a key condition for the implementation of biometric systems. It is necessary to depersonalize as much as possible, strictly delimit access rights to such data, and use certified cryptographic tools according to uniform recommendations, rather than according to the principle of "how they could configure".

"The purposes of processing should be as narrow and explicit as possible: exclusively ensuring access to the school and security on its territory. The use of this data for other purposes (marketing, profiling, transfer to third parties) should be explicitly prohibited, with the establishment of personal responsibility for the violation," the specialist explained.

At the same time, despite the risks, Popova noted the positive aspects of the emergence of biometrics in educational institutions. She pointed out that such technologies can improve safety, simplify attendance control, and, with proper data analysis, help identify undesirable changes in student behavior in time and respond promptly to them.

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On the same day, the Russian government announced that schools will use biometrics to enter the territory in the future. It is planned to register and store images of schoolchildren's faces in the Unified Biometric System (UBS). Educational institutions will have access to it through "accredited organizations" that will install "the necessary equipment and conduct integration activities." The process of submitting biometrics is possible only with the consent of the parent or guardian of the child and will take place without the participation of the educational institution — through the application "State Biometrics Services".

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