Russia to Use Biometrics to Confirm Social Benefits
Starting next year, Russians may be able to confirm travel subsidies with facial recognition, turning biometric data into the digital equivalent of a social card.
Biometrics are set to make life easier once again for Russian citizens. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Vladislav Povolotsky, head of the Center for Biometric Technologies, outlined how high-tech verification could streamline the process of confirming social benefits.
Under the proposal, biometric data would serve the same function as social cards, allowing people to choose how they want to access their benefits.
The new feature could launch as early as next year, potentially as a second stage following the rollout of biometric payments in the Moscow Metro.
Povolotsky noted that the initiative’s success will depend heavily on regional readiness, particularly on how local systems can link benefit information to user profiles.
Moscow has already tested facial recognition for fare payments in the subway. The system opens turnstiles when a passenger stands on a designated spot and looks into the camera. The homegrown technology is powered by domestic facial recognition algorithms.
