The Ministry of Transport of Russian Federation proposed using biometrics at airports to identify passengers and artificial intelligence when processing data to simplify transport procedures. This was reported by RBC with reference to the ministry's digital transformation program. The department expects to introduce technologies in 6% of airports by the end of 2023, and in 15% with additional funding. (12 and 30 airports, respectively, if their total number in the country does not change).

According to the source of the publication on the biometrics market, at least five airports outside Moscow are negotiating the introduction of a face recognition system, two of them will be connected to this system in the near future.

Expenses required specifically for equipping airports with biometrics are not specified in the program, but 585.2 million rubles (equivalent to $7.9 millions) are allocated from the budget for the development of the Unified State Information System for Transport Security, and if the "development scenario" is implemented, another 3.8 billion rubles ($51 thousand) will be required. To use the new systems, a Russian citizen will need to submit data to the Unified Biometric System in one of the bank branches, as well as consent to the use of biometrics for specific purposes.

Last week, Vedomosti announced the start of the implementation of a biometric control system at Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports. According to the newspaper, automated turnstiles (eGates) have already been installed in the customs control zone, international flights departure gallery and all boarding gates of Domodedovo, and in the near future these areas will be equipped with video cameras for face recognition. For security purposes, Sheremetyevo uses biometric data processing technologies.  

Original (in Russian)