Mazhilis Deputy highlights risks of biometric data leaks

Tengrinews.kz - Mazhilis Deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva has spoken about the collection and dissemination of biometric data of Kazakhstani citizens.
Deputy Smyshlyaeva sent a request to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, emphasizing the importance of using biometric data to enhance the accuracy of authentication when accessing financial and government services.

"Thanks to biometrics, secure remote services have become available. However, it is important to understand that, unlike changing a PIN code or document data, altering one’s face or fingerprint is virtually impossible. A leak of biometric data can seriously harm an individual's digital identity," Smyshlyaeva said.

She emphasized that this was the reason why deputies excluded the provision on mandatory collection of fingerprint data from the law last year.

"Digital fraudsters are actively hunting for biometric data, which is used to deceive banking systems. Currently, the digital environment does not guarantee the protection of this data. Biometric data is often collected and stored in violation of personal data protection laws. The principle of voluntariness is ignored, and consent is often absent. Moreover, many applications create databases, but it is not always clear where they are stored and who is responsible for their protection," Smyshlyaeva said.

At the same time, the deputy noted that today all biometric identification systems are private. Kazakhstan lacks a government system that allows authentication even for government services.

"Flaws in data handling do not mean we should avoid cameras or disguise our appearance. Progress cannot be stopped, and biometrics are a step towards security, transparency, and combating corruption. However, it is important to minimize the risks of data compromise," the parliamentarian added.

Smyshlyaeva urged not to infringe on the rights of those Kazakhstanis who wish to use other methods of authentication when obtaining services.
The deputy also proposed:

To establish benchmark government biometric databases and invest in their protection;
To conduct an audit of all regulations regarding the use and protection of biometric data;
To develop a government biometric identification system for citizens to access government services and use banking services;
Children's biometrics should be accessed only through the state identification system.

Earlier, Kazakhstan to start taking fingerprints of children.