Biometric identification systems have become commonplace in many developed nations, including India, Germany, Singapore, France, Sweden and South Korea, among others. Similarly, it is not uncommon for countries to partner with foreign companies to develop and implement electronic national identity cards (e-NICs). In fact Gemalto, a French company was one of the key players in providing secure identity card technology and biometric systems for the project for India’s Aadhaar national biometric identification system.
But as Sri Lanka prepares to roll out its own e-NICs this month after years of delay, since 2012, some opposition persists. The concerns raised primarily focus on data security risks related to the collection of personal biometric data, the country of origin of the developer and the digital rights of Sri Lankan citizens.
In response to some resistance, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne this week sought to clarify rumours surrounding the involvement of an Indian company Wipro Ltd. in the project. He urged the public not to be misled by baseless claims driven by political motives.
Weeraratne addressed the concern that biometric data for the e-NIC project would be given to an Indian company. He said that contrary to some reports, the Sri Lankan Government has not handed over control of the biometric data. Although an agreement under the former Government had allowed the Indian company to access the system, the current NPP administration has amended the terms of that agreement.
Under the revised arrangement, Weeraratne said the Indian company will only be involved in providing technical support, while Sri Lanka will retain full control and access to the system when uploading biometric data.
He said that only three types of biometric data, fingerprints, facial recognition and iris recognition will be collected as part of the e-NIC initiative.
Despite these reassurances, the strongest opposition to the initiative continues to come from the People’s Struggle Alliance (PSA), led by the Frontline Socialist Party (IUSF), who have been vocal critics since the initiative was first announced in 2012.
National executive member of the PSA, Wasantha Mudalige said that the party’s opposition was not aimed at digitising the identity card system but rather at the collection and storage of biometric data.
“We recently revealed that biometric data will be collected for this digital identity card and handed over to an Indian company. After this disclosure, the Minister of Digital Affairs, the Deputy Minister and other ministers made statements on the matter,” Mudalige said.
He said, “Our opposition to the digital identity card system was never aimed at the digitisation process itself. We have no objection to the concept of an electronic identity card. However, the issue arises with the use of biometric data for this system. Our concern is specifically with the collection and storage of such data.”
He questioned the need for such detailed data and said, “The current identity card can be digitised without taking biometric data. Why does the Government need data such as iris scans, fingerprints and facial features for a national identity card? The Government owes the public an explanation, yet it remains silent.”
Mudalige said, the Government has justified the inclusion of biometric data by linking it to tax purposes. He said, “This initiative risks becoming a tool that erodes political freedom.”
He also demanded transparency, asking critical questions about the project: “What is the Cabinet’s decision on this? How much is the Sri Lankan Government spending on it? Why is the Indian Government funding this initiative? Are they using it as leverage, for instance, in exchange for fuel? What measures are in place to protect this biometric data and what Sri Lankan companies are involved in this project?” he asked. In fact the PSA has now gone as far as to file a Right to Information Request with the Ministry of Public Security requesting for more information on the project.
Despite the ongoing debate, as Sri Lanka heads to setting up a digitised economy, the Government is pressing ahead with the plan. Deputy Minister Weeraratne said that the issuance of the Digital National Identity Cards (e-NICs) is set to begin soon.
During a media briefing, Weeraratne said that all new NICs would transition to a digital format, addressing the current delays in obtaining NICs.
The cost of implementing the digital identity card system is estimated to be Rs. 20 billion, with the Government covering half of the cost through financial assistance from India.
(MB)
