The JSC Center for Biometric Technologies (CBT), the operator of a single biometric system, has announced plans to launch a pilot project focusing on biometric identification of foreign citizens entering Russia. The CEO of the company, Vladislav Volotsky, made this announcement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (PMEF-2024).
Volotsky stated, “We, of course, are ready to accept and serve, and provide the service in terms of biometric identification of foreign citizens. This year we will jointly conduct pilots. We will have a full confirmed biometry of all entering foreign citizens as a pilot.”
The pilot project, aimed at registering data from entering foreigners, will be carried out in partnership with Moscow as part of the execution of the migration policy concept, as mentioned by the press service of the Central Bank.
Aside from migration affairs, Volotsky also discussed cross-border payments, highlighting the importance of client identification in facilitating such transactions. He emphasized the significance of preserving biometric and personal data within the country for security measures.
Furthermore, Volotsky acknowledged the importance of enabling Russian citizens to access financial services beyond the nation’s borders, underlining the importance of trustworthy relationships between states for such operations.
The press service of the Central Bank underscored that any potential collaboration for offering financial services outside Russia, involving biometrics, would only be feasible with trusted friendly states.
Established in 2018, the JSC Center for Biometric Technologies operates the single biometric system (EBS) designed by Rostelecom under the Ministry of Cyphra and the Bank of Russia’s guidance. The system manages the collection and storage of biometric personal data.