Rosselkhozbank and Alfa-Bank have earned the initial state accreditations needed to handle citizens’ biometric data, marking a pivotal step toward broader access to the Unified Biometric System (UBS). Accreditation serves as a gateway for banks to participate in a centralized biometric enrollment and usage framework, enabling them to authenticate customers remotely through biometric features. The milestone was highlighted by the Ministry of Digital Development and signals a shift toward a unified approach where biometrics underpin trusted customer identity across financial institutions.
With accreditation in place, these banks can roll out remote services that rely on facial and voice recognition, biometric identity checks, and other tools built on biometric verification. This advancement is expected to streamline digital banking, allowing clients to perform everyday tasks securely from home or while on the move, without the need to visit a branch office. The goal is to create a smoother, faster experience while maintaining strict privacy and security standards.
Beyond internal use, accredited banks may extend biometric services to third-party firms that deploy biometric technologies but have not themselves achieved accreditation. This fosters a broader ecosystem in which biometric tools can be integrated into partners’ platforms, expanding access to biometric verification while preserving regulatory oversight and accountability.
The Ministry of Digital Development stressed that biometric participation remains voluntary for citizens. Individuals who previously provided biometric data will be informed about its transfer to the centralized UBS and will retain the right to opt out of data sharing if they choose. An opt-out mechanism is designed to preserve user autonomy and address privacy concerns as the system scales and becomes more widely deployed.
A centralized biometric framework aims to support a wide array of public and commercial services, reducing the need for repeated re-registration and multiple enrollments. The system described as a civilian-oriented European-style biometric framework establishes clear rules on data handling, storage, and explicit consent to ensure responsible governance across participating entities and transparent accountability for users and institutions alike.
Toward the end of July, reports indicated progress in integrating biometric verification into the railway sector within the Russian Federation. The plan envisions passenger recognition by facial features to streamline boarding and offer more personalized travel experiences, all while maintaining robust privacy controls and auditing to prevent misuse. The overall objective centers on using biometric data to enhance security, efficiency, and service quality in mass transit while safeguarding individual rights.
These developments reflect a broader trend toward biometric enrollment and service delivery across sectors such as banking, transportation, and public administration. Authorities emphasize ongoing oversight, continuous policy evaluation, and transparent communication with citizens to balance convenience with privacy protections. As the system expands, ongoing monitoring and updates are expected to address evolving risks and refine implementation practices, ensuring biometric services deliver tangible benefits without compromising fundamental rights or security. (See sources cited by the Ministry of Digital Development for official context.)