Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan Deployments Show Growing Adoption of Identity Tech in Schools

Digital identity technologies are seeing increased adoption in educational systems globally, with Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan implementing new initiatives that demonstrate the diverse applications of these tools in academic settings.

Ethiopia’s government has mandated the use of Fayda IDs, a biometric digital identification system, for school registration in Addis Ababa beginning in the upcoming academic year. The implementation involves collaboration between the Addis Ababa Civil Registration & Resident Services Agency and local schools.

The program extends from Ethiopia’s national biometric registration effort, which has already registered 11 million individuals and targets a total enrollment of 90 million. The World Bank has provided $350 million in funding to support the Fayda project, which forms a key component of Ethiopia’s digital transformation strategy. Ethiopia recently launched its national Public Key Infrastructure, demonstrating the country’s comprehensive approach to digital modernization.

In Kyrgyzstan, authorities have implemented facial recognition camera systems throughout schools in Bishkek, the nation’s capital. The system integrates with a central database to track attendance, identify unauthorized visitors, and enhance security measures. Officials report that the technology has proven effective in locating missing teenagers and identifying wanted individuals who enter school premises.

This implementation represents part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader expansion of surveillance infrastructure, reflecting similar trends across Central Asia where biometric systems are increasingly utilized for administrative and security purposes. The deployment follows the pattern seen in other Kyrgyz regions, including smaller communities that have joined the national biometric surveillance network.

These implementations demonstrate the expanding role of digital identity technologies in educational institutions. The systems serve multiple functions, from streamlining administrative processes to enhancing security measures. The technology’s adoption also raises considerations regarding data privacy and ethical implementation, particularly concerning the collection of biometric data from minors. Recent cases, such as the formal reprimand of a British high school for improper facial recognition use, highlight the importance of proper consent and data protection protocols in educational settings.

Sources: Shega, AKIpress

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January 23, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim