Financial Crime World

Here is the rewritten article in markdown format:

Biometric Data Collection in Lebanon: Concerns and Developments

Lebanon has been adopting various biometric technologies for identification purposes. However, this has raised several concerns about data protection, ownership, and accountability.

Biometric Passports and Residence Permits

The Directorate General of General Security in Lebanon has introduced biometric passports and residence permits that store personal information such as fingerprints and facial recognition data. While the Directorate claims that this is a technological advancement consistent with its policy, there are concerns about the lack of a clear legal framework regulating the adoption of biometrics.

  • Advantages:
    • Advanced technology for storing personal information
    • Potential for more secure identification
  • Concerns:
    • Lack of clear legal framework
    • Potential misuse of biometric data

Data Protection

Lebanon has few safeguards to limit and control the use of biometric data. This raises concerns about accountability and responsibility in protecting citizens’ personal data when engaging with third parties.

  • Current situation:
    • Limited data protection laws
    • No comprehensive data protection law
  • Concerns:
    • Potential for surveillance
    • Lack of transparency

Private Companies Involved in Biometric Data Collection

Several private companies, including Gemalto and InKript, are involved in the collection and processing of biometric data. However, there are concerns about ownership, responsibility, and accountability regarding this data.

  • Concerns:
    • Ownership: Who owns the collected biometric data?
    • Responsibility: Who is accountable for protecting the data?
    • Accountability: What measures are in place to ensure transparency?

Voter Registration

The Cabinet approved biometric election cards for the May 2018 elections. However, due to time and resource constraints, they will not be introduced. Biometric voter registration remains on the agenda for subsequent elections.

  • Current situation:
    • Approved but not implemented
    • On the agenda for future elections

SIM Card Registration

The Cabinet plans to introduce biometric SIM card registration, requiring Lebanese citizens and residents to provide a thumbprint to purchase a SIM card. This measure is cited as a security reason to prevent phone theft and fraud.

  • Current situation:
    • Proposed but not implemented
    • Cited as a security measure

IMEI Registration

IMEI registration was briefly implemented in Lebanon in 2013 but ended due to its ineffectiveness and costliness. The current telecommunications minister, Jamal Jarrah, reintroduced the proposal in April 2017 and awarded the contract to Inmobiles, a subsidiary of Resource Holding Group.

  • Current situation:
    • Reintroduced by the current minister
    • Awarded contract to Inmobiles