India 5th worst country in terms of invasive use of biometric data

According to a new report from Comparitech, a Britain-based tech research firm, India is fifth worst country after China, Malaysia, Pakistan and United States in terms of extensive and invasive use of biometric data.

Methodology: The study was conducted based on- 50 different countries were anlaysed to find out where biometrics are being taken, what they are being taken for, and how they are being stored. Each country was scored out of 25, with high scores indicating extensive and invasive use of biometrics/ surveillance. The low score demonstrated better restrictions and regulations regarding biometric use and surveillance. Among the factors that were used for scoring countries, the researchers looked also at whether the country failed to introduce a law to protect biometric data.

Key Highlights of Study

India scored 19 and was ranked relatively lower in the list of worst countries for biometric data collection. India was based on not permitting law enforcement to get access to national biometric database known as Aadhaar. India shares fifth position with Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan. China was scored 24.

Countries in European Union (EU) scored better overall than non-EU countries due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulations, which protects the use of biometrics at workplace to some extent.

5 Best Countries: United Kingdom, Portugal, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania emerged as 5 best countries in terms of collection, storage and use of biometric data.

However, despite many countries recognising biometric data as sensitive, increased biometric use is widely accepted.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019