05.12.2024 12:48:00
Дата публикации
At a government briefing, Education Minister Gani Beisembayev was asked about a pilot project that introduced biometrics in some Kazakh schools, and was also asked to clarify the legality of such actions.
The minister responded that ensuring the safety and comfort of children in schools is a top priority. He explained that schools do collect children's personal data to organize automated entry into buildings. At the same time, none of the parents opposed this method.
"Many measures are currently being taken to ensure safety in schools," Beisembayev said. "Here, akimats are also involved. They are looking for different measures, opportunities to fully ensure the safety of children. As I have been informed, there is no information against collecting data from parents. You are right, it is not allowed without parental permission, but, as the regions report, there is no collection and dissemination of information — there is no such data."
When asked for clarification about the fact that the data is collected without the parents' permission, because none of them objected, the minister replied: "Absolutely right."
Based on the results of the pilot project, the ministry will decide whether to scale it up to other regions or stop the work.
In Kazakhstan, more and more institutions are introducing a biometric identification system, including medical and educational ones. Despite the statements of the initiators that the technology is aimed at improving security and control over processes, this raises many questions and concerns among citizens.
Earlier, experts from the Eurasian Digital Foundation expressed concerns about the Qazyna Face pilot project, aimed at using Face ID in schools in Kazakhstan. According to experts, the lack of parental consent makes the collection of children's biometric data illegal, violating their rights.
EDF also points to the lack of transparency in matters of information security. There is no information on measures to ensure the security of the databases where biometric data is stored, which creates risks of leaks and cyberattacks.
Majilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, in turn, proposed creating a state biometric identification system that would protect citizens' data and be used for government services. She emphasizes the need for reference databases and alternative authentication methods for citizens who are not ready to use biometrics.
Experts and deputies urge the authorities to be cautious, demanding a clear legislative framework and risk analysis before implementing such systems.
(the text translation was done automatically)
The minister responded that ensuring the safety and comfort of children in schools is a top priority. He explained that schools do collect children's personal data to organize automated entry into buildings. At the same time, none of the parents opposed this method.
"Many measures are currently being taken to ensure safety in schools," Beisembayev said. "Here, akimats are also involved. They are looking for different measures, opportunities to fully ensure the safety of children. As I have been informed, there is no information against collecting data from parents. You are right, it is not allowed without parental permission, but, as the regions report, there is no collection and dissemination of information — there is no such data."
When asked for clarification about the fact that the data is collected without the parents' permission, because none of them objected, the minister replied: "Absolutely right."
Based on the results of the pilot project, the ministry will decide whether to scale it up to other regions or stop the work.
In Kazakhstan, more and more institutions are introducing a biometric identification system, including medical and educational ones. Despite the statements of the initiators that the technology is aimed at improving security and control over processes, this raises many questions and concerns among citizens.
Earlier, experts from the Eurasian Digital Foundation expressed concerns about the Qazyna Face pilot project, aimed at using Face ID in schools in Kazakhstan. According to experts, the lack of parental consent makes the collection of children's biometric data illegal, violating their rights.
EDF also points to the lack of transparency in matters of information security. There is no information on measures to ensure the security of the databases where biometric data is stored, which creates risks of leaks and cyberattacks.
Majilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, in turn, proposed creating a state biometric identification system that would protect citizens' data and be used for government services. She emphasizes the need for reference databases and alternative authentication methods for citizens who are not ready to use biometrics.
Experts and deputies urge the authorities to be cautious, demanding a clear legislative framework and risk analysis before implementing such systems.
