Senators and federal ministry representatives are considering a proposal to automatically fine citizens for administrative violations using facial recognition systems. One potential application would be to penalize individuals for crossing railway tracks outside of designated areas. While specific legislation has not yet been drafted, the Ministry of Digital Development has already expressed its conceptual support for the idea.
Proponents argue that the new system would enhance public oversight and reduce the burden on law enforcement. However, the initiative has been met with caution from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, and the FSB. These agencies are concerned that the prospect of automatic fines could deter new registrations or prompt existing users to withdraw from the Unified Biometric System, which already contains the data of approximately 50 million Russians.
According to representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development, the existing Law No. 572 was not designed to ensure security, and its amendment is only possible with clearly defined use cases. The Federation Council emphasized that the discussion is at an early stage, but the senate is willing to consider the initiative, provided it undergoes the necessary approvals.
“There is no need to rush,” believes economist Sergei Khestanov, Associate Professor at the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). “This idea will become truly useful once biometric data has been collected for at least 80% of the population. It will both replenish the budget and encourage discipline among citizens. Nothing but benefits.”