We filed an RTI application with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to verify reports about the government using facial recognition technology (FRT) for the verification of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccines. In their response the Ministry confirmed the use of FRT.
Delhi High Court issued a series of directions offered by the Amicus, Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao on a note prepared by IFF. Hopefully it will soon lead to massive improvements including alternate modes or registration, co-win becoming more accessible, multilingual and having a privacy policy.
As India battles the second wave of COVID-19, 1500+ people and organisations are calling on the government to ensure that the vaccination process focuses on increasing reach and accessibility, that there are no onerous ID requirements, and that health data is not misused.
In the Joint Statement, we highlight our concerns on the use of this inaccurate technology for access to vaccines, how it may lead to potentially life threatening exclusion and ask for public support & sign ons.