Starting from December 1, foreigners entering Russia through selected Moscow airports and a land border checkpoint with Kazakhstan will be required to provide their photos and fingerprints as part of a new policy experiment. These biometric requirements are expected to be in place until at least June 30, 2026, with plans to extend them to all Russian border checkpoints by June 30, 2025. Foreigners with visa-free entry will be able to submit their biometrics through a downloadable phone app, while those needing a visa will have their biometrics automatically entered into a central database linked to Russia’s unified biometric system.
The Russian government decree mandates that the biometric data of foreign citizens and stateless individuals will be transferred to the state information systems of authorized bodies and organizations participating in the experiment for identification and authentication purposes. However, diplomats, employees of international organizations, Belarusian nationals, and children under six will be exempt from these biometric requirements. These new regulations have sparked criticism from rights groups for their perceived invasiveness and potential impact on privacy rights.
The biometric system in Russia is seen as a key tool for enhancing security measures by allowing authorities to easily identify and track individuals entering the country. However, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of biometric data by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The centralized nature of the biometric system, which grants access to police and intelligence services, has raised alarms about the potential for government surveillance and intrusion into personal privacy.
This move comes amidst a backdrop of increasing restrictions on civil liberties and independent journalism in Russia. The Moscow Times, a prominent independent news outlet, has been targeted by the authorities and labeled as an “undesirable” organization. This designation has criminalized their work and put their staff at risk of prosecution. The actions taken against The Moscow Times are part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices and efforts to stifle independent journalism in Russia.
Despite facing challenges and repression, The Moscow Times journalists refuse to be silenced and are committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. They are calling on their readers and supporters for help in continuing their work. By standing with The Moscow Times and supporting independent journalism, individuals can defend open and transparent reporting in the face of censorship and suppression. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact in upholding the principles of free press and independent media.
In conclusion, the new biometric requirements for foreigners entering Russia represent a significant shift in border control policies and raise concerns about privacy rights and government surveillance. The implementation of biometric data collection is seen as a measure to enhance security and identify individuals entering the country. However, critics argue that these measures may infringe on civil liberties and pose risks of misuse by authorities. Against the backdrop of increasing restrictions on independent journalism in Russia, The Moscow Times continues to advocate for free and unbiased reporting, calling on their readers for support in the face of repression. By standing with The Moscow Times and supporting independent journalism, individuals can play a crucial role in defending press freedom and promoting transparency in media.
