Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that allows the processing of biometric personal data in criminal proceedings without the consent of their owners. The document was published on the official legal information portal.
According to previously established rules, the processing of a person's biometric data without their consent was possible in certain situations provided for by legislation on public service, defense, security, operational-search activities, countering terrorism and corruption.
This also applied to the execution of readmission agreements, the administration of justice and the execution of judicial acts, mandatory state fingerprinting and genomic registration. However, with the adoption of the new amendments, this list has been expanded and now includes cases provided for by criminal procedure legislation.
The criminal procedure sphere also provides for the possibility of processing certain categories of personal data, including information about racial and national origin, political views, religious or philosophical beliefs, health status and personal life. The law will come into force on September 1, 2025.
Earlier in Russia, testing began on a system that allows passengers on trains to be identified using biometric data. Passengers will be able to choose whether to use biometrics to board the train or present traditional tickets.
However, biometric verification does not eliminate the need to present a passport or ticket. If necessary, passengers may be asked to present the relevant documents.
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