The Risks of Registering Refugees: Protecting Sensitive Biometric Data

Registering refugees using personal information poses risks to people giving sensitive biometric data

Introduction

The number of refugees worldwide has reached record high levels, with over 108.4 million people forced to flee their homes due to violence or persecution. To effectively identify and track these refugees, governments and aid agencies have increasingly turned to the use of biometric data. Biometrics involves collecting someone’s physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints or voice, and using them to authenticate or identify individuals.

The Biometrics Process

The process of collecting biometric data begins with enrollment, where representatives from government or organizations collect individuals’ personal physical information during registration. Biometrics can be used for authentication, which confirms a person’s identity, or identification, which compares an individual’s biometrics against stored templates in a database.

Cybersecurity Challenges

Biometrics provides a convenient and reliable way to verify the identities of refugees, especially in situations where they may not have passports or other forms of identification. This technology also allows aid workers to operate in remote areas with limited internet access. Currently, over 80% of refugees registered with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) have a biometric record. However, while biometric registration is seen as a necessary practice for refugees to receive aid, it also carries inherent privacy risks.

Human Rights Concerns

Refugees and advocacy groups have raised human rights concerns about the collection of biometric data. They argue that such data can put vulnerable individuals at risk if it falls into the wrong hands. For example, a militant group or government that contributed to people becoming refugees could potentially identify them and harm them. Unlike passwords or PIN numbers, biometric data cannot be changed if there is a security breach. Concerns have also been raised about the potential theft of biometric data, which could be used for identity theft or impersonation.

Instances of Breaches and Consequences

There have been instances where biometric data breaches have had devastating consequences for refugees. In Afghanistan, the Taliban seized biometric devices containing Afghan biometric data previously collected by the U.S. military. This raised concerns that the Taliban could use the data to identify and target Afghans who had assisted U.S. coalition forces. In another case, the UNHCR shared biometric data of Rohingya refugees with the Bangladeshi government, which then shared the information with the Myanmar government. This put Rohingya refugees in danger as they feared retribution from the very government they were seeking refuge from.

A Call for Reform

Given the risks associated with the collection and storage of refugees‘ biometric data, it is crucial to consider their informed consent and security measures. Organizations such as UNHCR should establish stronger security models and regularly assess cyber risks to mitigate evolving threats. Without adequate funding and technological capabilities to respond to cyberattacks, humanitarian agencies and other organizations collecting biometric data will remain vulnerable, compromising the rights and safety of those seeking refuge.

Conclusion

The use of biometrics in registering refugees has both benefits and risks. While it provides a reliable means of identification and verification, it also exposes vulnerable individuals to potential harm if the data is compromised. Striking a balance between the convenience and reliability of biometrics and ensuring the privacy and safety of refugees is paramount. Safeguarding biometric data is crucial to protecting the rights and well-being of those in need.