Less than 1 percent of Russians engaged with Multifunctional Centers (MFCs) that reportedly refused to collect biometric data, a claim circulated by a Telegram channel affiliated with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation. The ministry’s account suggested that former residents started receiving messages urging them to contact an MFC by August 31 and, if needed, submit a written request to opt out of biometric data collection. It later emerged that scammers had spread these notices. According to the ministry, after sending counterfeit messages via instant messengers about the need to refuse biometric data collection, fewer than one percent of Russians signed up for it. The ministry emphasized that such statements could be acted upon at any time, and that the biometric data are safeguarded by being stored within a single, centralized system.
A deputy in the State Duma, Alexander Yakubovsky, stated in early September that Russians have the option to withdraw their data from the Unified Biometric System (UBS) at any time. He also urged citizens not to confuse biometrics with Face ID technology used to unlock personal devices.
Earlier reports highlighted plans by the Central Bank of Russia to separate biometric data from residents into different groups. [Attribution: Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation]