Moscow’s vast subway network launched a fare payment system using facial recognition technology at more than 240 stations on Friday, which the authorities said was the first in the world.

Moscow is a city with a population of 12.7 million and has one of the largest video surveillance systems in the world. It uses facial recognition technology to enforce COVID-19 quarantine, and protesters participating in political gatherings also stated that the police have used it for preventive arrests and detentions. Authorities are now giving commuters the option of using facial recognition to pay for their fares using a system called “face payment” on revolving doors equipped with cameras.

The head of the Russian capital’s transportation department, Maxim Liksutov, said in a statement: “Moscow is the first city in the world to operate the system on this scale.” Liksutov said that the use of “face payment” is voluntary, and other payment methods are still in use.

Before using the system, commuters must submit their photos and link them to their transportation and bank cards through the Moscow Metro app. To use the subway, commuters who have registered for “Face Pay” only need to check the cameras installed on the designated revolving doors.

The city’s transportation department said that commuters’ data will be securely encrypted. However, the digital rights organization stated that the system may undermine privacy and human rights.

Roskomsvoboda, an organization dedicated to protecting digital rights and freedom of information, warns that Face Pay can be used for surveillance purposes.

News Source : Gadgets 360