Russia's Biometric Surveillance State: A Closer Look

Russia has been quietly building a comprehensive biometric surveillance system, with facial recognition technology at its core. A recent report by a secretive group, RKS Global, has exposed the inner workings of this system, revealing a complex network of surveillance infrastructure and raising concerns over data privacy and abuse of power.

The report, titled 'State of Surveillance', highlights the legal and practical aspects of Russia's biometric technologies, including facial recognition. Currently, there are no explicit federal laws regulating the governmental use of facial recognition, leading to a somewhat ambiguous legal framework. Local authorities, particularly in Moscow, have been using these technologies under broader legal provisions related to counter-terrorism and transportation security.

The deployment of facial recognition technology in Moscow began as part of urban public safety programs and gained momentum with the preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. By 2020, the Moscow government had procured technologies from companies like NtechLab, VisionLabs, and Tevian, and integrated them into the city's surveillance infrastructure. This included the Unified Data Storage and Processing Center, which serves as a central hub for video surveillance data.

However, the report also raises significant concerns regarding the opacity of the system and the potential for abuse. The collection and use of reference images for facial recognition are not transparent, and authorities often rely on broad interpretations of existing laws to justify their actions. For example, images from public surveillance cameras are used for identification purposes without clear legal safeguards.

Beyond assessing these biometric considerations, the report also delves into the broader context of digital surveillance in Russia. It outlines the legal framework governing governmental surveillance activities, emphasizing the vagueness and broad interpretation of these laws by authorities. The report discusses extrajudicial access to data by law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies, highlighting the lack of judicial oversight.

RKS Global, the group behind the report, describes itself as a team of experts in the sphere of freedom of the Internet, including journalists, lawyers, and technical specialists. However, no specific team members are named, nor is any information provided about the group's background, operations, or other details that might shed light on RKS Global.

Q: What is the main focus of the report by RKS Global?

A: The report focuses on Russia's biometric surveillance apparatus, including facial recognition technology and its implications on data privacy.

Q: What is the legal framework governing facial recognition in Russia?

A: There are no explicit federal laws regulating the governmental use of facial recognition, leading to a somewhat ambiguous legal framework.

Q: How is facial recognition technology used in Moscow?

A: Facial recognition technology is used in Moscow for law enforcement purposes, as well as for contactless payments in the Moscow Metro.

Q: What are the concerns raised by the report regarding facial recognition?

A: The report raises concerns over the opacity of the system, potential for abuse, and lack of transparency in the collection and use of reference images for facial recognition.

Q: What is RKS Global and its role in the report?

A: RKS Global is a secretive group that describes itself as a team of experts in the sphere of freedom of the Internet. The group is behind the report on Russia's biometric surveillance apparatus.