Nationwide biometric database

Biometric technology is the future of not only payment processing but of the way we live in general. It will require massive amounts of data to be stored on each and every one of us. While it may not operate as a Big Brother of sorts the system that holds all of our data will probably know us better than we do. And of course all of that data will provide a massive target on the system’s back for criminals. It will balance a world where we value our privacy but one where we have to give up some of that information just to exist. It may seem far off but it is reality in India.

About one out of every six human inhabitants of the globe live in India or about 1.2 billion people. In 2016 a biometric database called Aadhaar was introduced and Indians were enrolled into the system. Everyone enrolled receives a unique 16 digit number and identity card which will allow those enrolled to prove their identity quickly and securely. All ten fingerprints are scanned, both irises are scanned and a photograph of the face is taken. Many Indians have little choice as the government has mandated that they be enrolled in order to receive services like opening a bank account or accessing government aid. For many in rural India, who may not have an ID, providing their Aadhaar number works just as well.

Not everyone has been happy with a mass database of not only biometric information about a person but also demographic information as well. The bill authorizing this was passed using a special provision that did not require approval from the upper house of the legislature and many Indian citizens have concerns, especially with their privacy. They are surrendering much of their personal information to the government and believe that this will allow the government to profile or perform surveillance on them.

The issue was argued before the Supreme Court and they found that there is sufficient legality for Aadhaar. The majority dismissed the privacy concerns ruling that current safeguards are sufficient and further reinforced the government’s insistence that Aadhaar is secure and offers no risk to citizens privacy.

Aadhaar itself is not safe, it has been breached several times though no attack has yet managed to gain access to the biometric database. The government has continuously denied it but it is perhaps the worst kept secret on the Indian subcontinent. Despite that many feel that the reward is worth the potential risk.

The BBC conducted a study of the Aadhaar system and found among other things that there was an 8.8% error rate. This potentially puts at risk millions of people if they have a legitimate number but the system produces an error. The poor may not be able to gain access to necessary food subsidies or even gain access to welfare money deposited in their bank account. The risk of this is what prompted the one dissenting justice to break with his colleagues during its challenge in court.

Aadhaar was originally intended to be a digital identification verification system but the government wants to adapt it into so much more. This is the future, not only in India but also all over the world and serious questions will need to be asked and answered before something like this is feasible for the rest of the world. One day though we may able to pay simply using our finger and it will be because of a system like Aadhaar. Technology can and will be able to do amazing things but one has to wonder if we are outpacing ourselves.