Russia Launches On-Site Biometric Data Collection Service

Russia's new mobile biometric collection system drastically cuts registration time and expands access beyond bank branches.

A Russian bank has introduced a new mobile service for collecting biometric data. The service is designed to streamline access to other digital services. Once a user submits a request, a bank representative arrives at a convenient time to collect biometric information — including fingerprints and facial images — using a tablet. The data collection process takes as little as two minutes, according to the press service of T-Bank.

Until recently, users could only register their biometrics at bank branches.

The tablet used for the procedure runs on the Russian-made Aurora operating system and complies with security standards. The development was supported by the Russian Ministry of Digital Development and the Center for Biometric Technologies.

Authorities stress that biometric data is securely stored in the Unified Biometric System (UBS), a centralized state database. By law, this system is the only authorized repository for such sensitive information.