According to Kapitanov, the technology aims to prevent the formation of “ethnic enclaves” and allow officials to take “preventive measures to avoid social tensions in the region.” The announcement follows heightened xenophobic sentiment in Russia after the 2024 Crocus City Hall terrorist attack, which authorities linked to Tajikistani nationals.
The initiative has drawn strong criticism from prominent Russian figures. Valery Fadeev, chairman of Russia’s Presidential Human Rights Council, called the plan degrading, noting that “nationality is not even listed in passports” while questioning how surveillance cameras could determine ethnic background.
The proposal faces both technical and ethical challenges. Konstantin Zatulin, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, expressed doubt about the technology’s effectiveness, questioning how ethnicity could be determined “purely through a recording, without direct communication with individuals.” Alexandra Dokuchaeva, deputy director of the Institute of CIS Countries, described the initiative as “a mistake” that could increase interethnic tensions.
The announcement extends Russia’s adoption of surveillance technology. The country has already implemented facial recognition systems for public transportation payments, COVID-19 quarantine enforcement, and border security.
The implementation raises key concerns about privacy and discrimination. The Council of Europe has previously called for prohibiting facial recognition technology used for profiling based on ethnic origin, highlighting the broader international debate surrounding such surveillance systems.
Sources: Meduza, The Moscow Times
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February 21, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
