Over 7 million individuals have enrolled in the Unified Biometric Database
In recent years, Russia has seen a significant increase in the use of its Unified Biometric System (UBS), a centralised platform that integrates multiple government agencies and offers over 100 million instances of biometric services.
The system, which collects biometric data including facial photos, fingerprints, and voice recordings, has become increasingly prevalent across border control, telecommunications, and public services. This growth can be attributed to expanding biometric requirements for both foreigners and citizens in various services, particularly from 2024 through 2025.
Foreigners visiting Russia, for instance, must now submit biometric data before arrival for visa-free access, or have fingerprints and photos taken at major border points like Moscow airports. Similarly, foreigners looking to purchase or maintain Russian SIM cards are required to register in the UBS and verify biometrics at authorised locations such as Sberbank branches.
The use of the UBS extends beyond border control and telecommunications. Biometric authentication is also used for banking and other digital services integration, providing a more secure and convenient method for accessing these services.
The key principle of the use of biometrics in the UBS is voluntary. Each user manages their own data, and biometric samples in the UBS are stored in an encrypted form and never leave the system's perimeter. Users can check the validity of their biometrics or withdraw consent for its processing on the Gosuslugi portal.
The popularity of the UBS is evident in its growing user base. Since July 2020, the number of people registered in the UBS has nearly quadrupled, with around 7 million people having proactively registered. The system currently registers up to 40,000 people daily.
The "Gosuslugi Biometry" app, available on all platforms, has been downloaded over 3 million times. Other services available through the UBS include remote business registration, service at Multi-Functional Centers, hotel check-in without a passport, and payment for purchases and transportation.
In all user scenarios, the technology acts as an additional, simplest, and most comfortable way to obtain services in the UBS. Registration for the UBS can be done at the offices of authorised banks across Russia or remotely via the "Gosuslugi Biometry" app.
The Gosuslugi portal offers additional protection of personal accounts through biometrics, providing a more secure and convenient method for accessing government services. The current average daily increase in users of the UBS is five times higher than the July 2020 figure, indicating a continued trend of adoption and growth.
In summary, Russia’s Unified Biometric System usage has increased markedly due to expanding biometric requirements for foreigners entering the country, acquiring telecommunications services, and accessing public services. The UBS acts as an integrated national biometric repository facilitating digital identity verification and regulation enforcement across multiple sectors.
Technology plays a crucial role in the integration and seamless operation of Russia's Unified Biometric System (UBS), as it facilitates biometric data collection, storage, and authentication. This technology is employed in various sectors, including border control, telecommunications, banking, and digital services, offering a more secure and user-friendly experience for both foreigners and citizens.
