The biometric data of millions of Afghans have fallen into the hands of the Taliban

It is now in the hands of the Taliban the huge biometric database prepared by the US during its 20-year presence in Afghanistan.

After years of trying to digitize the country’s databases and introduce digital identities and biometrics, human rights groups warn that these technologies can now be used to identify those who have collaborated with Westerners.

“We understand that the Taliban now have access to various biometric databases and equipment in Afghanistan. This technology includes access to databases with iris fingerprints and scans and includes face recognition technology. With this data it is much more difficult to hide, to hide your identity or that of your family and the data can also be used to reveal your contacts and network “, said Welton Chang, chief technology officer at Human Rights First.

The Taliban are familiar with this technology, as even five years ago they used stolen government databases to target members of the country’s security authorities, comparing their fingerprints with databases.

The Taliban have assured the international community that they will not retaliate against those who helped the West or former members of the government, but there have been reports of door-to-door searches using “biometric devices”.

Digital identities, known as tazkira, can reveal the various minorities living in Afghanistan, while mobile providers have a “treasure trove of information” that can be used to locate and locate targets.

Meanwhile, Afghans are doing everything they can to erase their digital presence by erasing messages they have exchanged, music lists they have listened to and photos they have taken.