Dhaka – Fingerprints were taken during the SIM re-registration under biometric method just for the online verification of the information stored in the national identity (NID) server, said State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim on Sunday.
“The fingerprints are not being stored. No save option has been kept in the application of biometric device that takes fingerprint either,” she told Parliament replying to a starred question from Jatiya Party MP Mohammed Ellias (Cox’s Bazar-1).
Tarana said no fingerprint and fresh information are collected under the system. “Only information stored in the NID server is being verified, which is the real-time online verification,” she added.
Soon after keeping finger on biometric device, the fingerprint is sent to the NID server as a numeric code. The fingerprint as encrypted binary code verifies the information stored in the NID server on real time, she added.
“There’s no need and option to store the fingerprints,” the junior minister said.
In his question, Ellias wanted to know what steps the government has taken to prevent the misuse of fingerprints.
The deadline for re-registration of SIMs under the biometric method expired on May 31 last that began in December 2015.
Some 10.81 crore SIMs have been registered under the biometric method within the deadline, which is 82 per cent of the country’s 13.80 mobile phone subscribers.
Registration under biometric method is needed in case of purchasing any fresh SIM.
