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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A plan by Mexican lawmakers to put millions of cell phone users’ data in a biometric registry, billed as a tool to fight kidnapping and extortion, has sparked a backlash from telecoms companies and rights groups who warn it could lead to stolen data and higher costs.
A man takes photos in front of National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, February 3, 2021. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Already approved in the lower house of Congress, the reform is in line with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s vow to counter crime using intelligence methods rather than force, but critics say it reveals the pitfalls of governments seeking to gather more citizen data for law enforcement purposes.
Updated:
February 17, 2021 12:26 IST
Under the plan, America Movil, AT&T Inc and other carriers would be responsible for collecting customers data, including fingerprints or eye biometrics, to submit to a registry managed by Mexico s telecoms regulator.
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Criminals have been known to use up to 17 prepaid phones to carry out one kidnapping, making it nearly impossible for police to track them down, Huerta said.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Under the plan, America Movil, AT&T Inc and other carriers would be responsible for collecting customers data, including fingerprints or eye biometrics, to submit to a registry managed by Mexico s telecoms regulator.
By Cassandra Garrison MEXICO CITY, Feb 16 (Reuters) - A plan by Mexican lawmakers to put millions of cell phone users' data in a biometric registry, b.
A plan by Mexican lawmakers to put millions of cell phone users' data in a biometric registry, billed as a tool to fight kidnapping and extortion, has sparked a backlash from telecoms companies and rights groups who warn it could lead to stolen data and higher costs.
Mexico wants telecom companies to collect biometric data, like fingerprints or iris scans, to help fight kidnapping. Critics argue it could lead to privacy .