Central Idea

• Travellers at Indian airports have raised privacy concerns over the Digi Yatra initiative, which involves collecting facial biometrics without explicit consent.

About DigiYatra

• DigiYatra offers paperless airport entry using facial recognition technology.
• It aims for paperless, contactless airport checkpoints, identifying travelers by facial features linked to boarding passes.
• This system automates passenger entry at various points like airport entry, security checks, and boarding using facial recognition.
• Passengers no longer need to present ID cards and boarding passes.
• The DigiYatra Foundation, a joint venture with stakeholders including the Airports Authority of India and major Indian airports, is implementing the project.
• The Airports Authority of India holds a 26% stake, while five major airports equally share the remaining 74%.

How to Use DigiYatra?

• Passengers register on the DigiYatra app with Aadhaar validation and a self-captured image.
• Next, they scan their boarding pass, sharing credentials with airport authorities.
• At the airport e-gate, passengers scan their boarding pass; the facial recognition system validates their identity and travel documents.
• After validation, passengers can enter through the e-gate.
• Normal security clearance and boarding procedures still apply.

Need for DigiYatra

• Facial recognition technology streamlines flying and reduces airport congestion.
• This technology, already in use at airports like Dubai, Singapore, Atlanta, and Narita (Japan), enhances efficiency.

Data Privacy and Security Concerns

• Data Usage and Deletion: Passenger data will be used only for defined purposes and deleted 24 hours after flight departure.
• Compliance and Concerns: The FRT system will adhere to India’s data privacy and protection practices. However, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), 2019, which falls short of the standards set by the Justice Srikrishna Committee and does not fully align with the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India judgment on the right of privacy.

Concerns Over Biometric Scanning at Airports

• Privacy and Consent: Issues of data storage, access, and the option to opt-out raise privacy concerns among passengers.
• Biometric Data Misuse: Without clear regulations, there’s a risk of personal data being accessed or misused by unauthorized entities.

Issues with Biometric Scanning Technologies

• Inherent Bias: Research indicates that FRT and AI can be biased, with higher misidentification rates for non-white individuals.
• Algorithmic Discrimination: Studies have shown that machine learning algorithms can discriminate based on race and gender.

Conclusion

• Advancements in Air Travel: The implementation of FRT in Indian airports marks a significant technological advancement in air travel.
• Addressing Privacy Concerns: Ensuring robust data privacy measures and addressing inherent biases in technology are crucial for the successful and ethical implementation of FRT systems.
• Future of Air Travel Security: As FRT becomes more prevalent, continuous evaluation and improvement of these systems will be essential to safeguard passenger privacy and enhance travel efficiency.

Try this PYQ from CSP 2022:

Consider the following (2022)

1. Aarogya Setu
2. CoWIN
3. Digi Locker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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