Session Title: Biometric Data & Digital ID: Are We Trading Privacy for Convenience?
Background:
Digital ID systems, particularly those leveraging biometric data, have rapidly gained traction across Africa as governments seek to modernize service delivery, enhance financial inclusion, and strengthen national security. While biometric-based national IDs promise efficiency and fraud prevention, they also raise significant privacy, surveillance, and exclusion concerns. Instances of data breaches, lack of robust legal frameworks, and the potential for mass surveillance further complicate the discourse.
As nations increasingly adopt biometric identity systems, it is crucial to critically assess whether these systems genuinely advance citizens’ rights and opportunities or if they pose risks to personal privacy and exacerbate social inequalities. This panel will explore the trade-offs involved, scrutinizing both the benefits and the challenges of biometric ID systems in Africa.
RATIONALE
This panel is crucial as African nations continue to navigate the complexities of digital identity implementation. The discussion will:
- Highlight the growing concernsabout biometric data collection and its implications for privacy and data protection.
- Examine inclusion and exclusion dynamics, particularly how marginalized populations may be affected.
- Assess the role of governance and accountabilityin mitigating risks associated with biometric digital IDs.
- Discuss regulatory and policy frameworksneeded to balance security, efficiency, and individual rights.
- Provide recommendationsfor policymakers, civil society, and industry stakeholders on responsible biometric ID system adoption.
