Moldova could have a Facial Image Register (FIR), which will allow authorities to automatically compare photographs and use biometric identification in the investigation of crimes, the identification of individuals and the search for missing persons.
The project was developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the document, the registry will be a state informational resource and will include both images of identified individuals, as well as photos of persons whose identity has not yet been established.
For now, the project is in the promotion process. On September 18, the MAI organized a public consultation in an online format. However, the debate did not take place, as no representative of the interested parties connected to the meeting.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs mentions that, previously, the institutions responsible for defending fundamental rights participated in the approval process and made objections and proposals. According to the ministry, these were taken into account in the finalization of the project.
What exactly is the Facial Image Registry
The register is not described in the project just as a collection of photos. The system is expected to be able to receive, store and manage images, to compare them biometrically and to provide authorities with tools for identifying a person.
In the register, there will be separate “identified” and “unidentified” facial images. Each image entered into the system will be assigned a reference number.
The system will be able to perform two types of biometric comparison: 1:1 and 1:N. The first allows the verification of whether two images correspond to the same person. The second involves comparing a photo with multiple images available in the system, to identify possible matches.
However, the computer will not have the last word. The list of automatically generated results will only represent a preliminary technical result. Any potential match will need to be checked and confirmed by qualified personnel before it can have operational effects.
Where will they get the images from
An important question is where the photos will end up in the future register.
According to the project, images obtained from authorized sources can be introduced into the system. Among these are photographs taken or captured during procedural actions, special investigation activities or other activities provided by law.
The register will be able to use images extracted from legally obtained photo or video materials, as well as photographs provided by the competent authorities from the Republic of Moldova or other countries.
The system will also be able to exchange data with other state information resources. This information can be used, among other things, to verify a person’s identity and associate it with a criminal case, a search file or another individual case.
Will the photographs of all citizens end up in the registry?
No. At least, the project does not provide for the automatic transfer to the Facial Image Register of the photographs of all citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
Images can only be introduced into the system based on grounds provided by law and from authorized sources. For each operation, there must be a legal purpose, and the data used must be limited to those necessary to achieve it.
At the same time, the register will be able to interact with other state information systems. Thus, certain information already existing in public databases can be consulted or used through interoperability, without being registered again in RIF.
What it can be used for
According to the project, the system will be used for the prevention and investigation of crimes, the identification or verification of people’s identities, the search for missing persons, as well as for the identification of corpses or parts thereof.
In practice, a photograph of an unidentified person, legally obtained during an investigation, can be automatically compared with the images available in the system. Following the comparison, the program will generate a list of possible matches, which will then need to be verified by qualified personnel.
The project sets limits for such searches as well. General, exploratory, or aimless searches will not be allowed, nor will the use of the system to create discriminatory profiles.
Who will have access
The register of facial images will not be a database accessible to the public. Access will only be granted to authorized and designated individuals from institutions that provide or use the data. Each user will have certain access rights, depending on their role and responsibilities.
The individuals responsible for data management will be able to input and update information, as well as block, erase or archive records. They will also record the results of biometric comparisons and whether a potential match has been confirmed or refuted.
The operations performed in the register will be recorded, so that it can be subsequently verified who and under what conditions used the data. The project provides for logging, monitoring, and auditing mechanisms, designed to ensure the traceability of access and operations performed in the system.
The data may also be transferred abroad
Yes. The system is ready for the automated exchange of facial images with other states, within the framework of police cooperation and the European Prüm II mechanism.
In this component, images of suspected, accused, indicted, or convicted individuals may be included, and under certain conditions, those of victims. Images of missing persons or corpses will not be included in cross-border exchanges.
Initially, the image will be transmitted along with a reference number. Identification data can only be provided after confirming a match and under the conditions of the law.
Who will control the system
The owner of the register will be the state, and the MAI will be the holder of the system and will coordinate its use and development.
The Information Technology Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will ensure the development, maintenance of the application and the administration of the databases, while the technical infrastructure and the cybersecurity components will revert to the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Service.
