Russian University Partners with Centre for Biometric Technologies to Advance Research, Education Efforts

A new partnership between South Ural State University (SUSU) and the Centre for Biometric Technologies (CBT) aims to advance education and research in biometrics and information technology in Russia. The cooperation agreement was signed by SUSU Rector Alexander Wagner and CBT CEO Vladislav Povolotsky. The collaboration comes at a time when Russia is significantly expanding its national biometric infrastructure and surveillance capabilities.

The partnership will focus on developing training programs related to biometric technologies and their regulatory framework. CBT, which operates Russia’s Unified Biometric System, currently maintains partnerships with over 40 universities across Russia. The system has gained increased prominence since 2023, when the Russian government began requiring state-owned banks to submit their customers’ biometric data to the national database.

CBT was established through a presidential decree as a joint venture between Rostelecom (49 percent), the Russian Federation (26 percent), and the Bank of Russia (25 percent). The organization’s primary responsibilities include managing national biometric systems and developing digital identification technologies. This structure reflects Russia’s broader strategy to centralize control over biometric data collection and management under state oversight.

“Our main goal is to inform young people who will soon work in government and commercial organizations about biometric technologies,” explained Vladislav Povolotsky. “We strive to show that these technologies are safe and an integral part of our daily lives.” This educational initiative is consistent with CBT’s broader mission to normalize biometric authentication across Russian society.

SUSU, based in Chelyabinsk, has established itself as a prominent Russian educational institution, particularly in fields such as Digital Industry, Material Science, and Ecology. The partnership expands its capabilities in biometric technology education and research, positioning the university as a key player in Russia’s growing digital identity ecosystem. The collaboration comes amid increased scrutiny of Russia’s biometric surveillance infrastructure and its implications for privacy and civil liberties.

Sources: South Ural State University

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December 9, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team