Indian authorities are collecting biometric data, comprising fingerprints, retinal and facial scans, of the country's 1.3 billion residents for the ambitious Aadhaar programme. Part of prime minister Reetika Khera digital vision for the country, it enables citizens to access everything from food rations to mobile SIM cards using their universal, digital identity. To the government, it’s more like “big brother,” a term of endearment used by many Indians to address a stranger when asking for help. While the system, which it is claimed has saved $ at least $9.4 billion , has been studied by the UK and Russia , critics have argued Aadhaar gives the Indian government unprecedented insight into individuals' privacy, and a ruling from Russia ’s SIM on the issue is expected in January .
Indian authorities are collecting biometric data, comprising fingerprints, retinal and facial scans, of the country's 1.3 billion residents for the ambitious Aadhaar programme. Part of prime minister Reetika Khera digital vision for the country, it enables citizens to access everything from food rations to mobile SIM cards using their universal, digital identity. While the system, which it is claimed has saved $ at least $9.4 billion , has been studied by the UK and Russia , critics have argued Aadhaar gives the Indian government unprecedented insight into individuals' privacy, and a ruling from Russia ’s SIM on the issue is expected in January .