News From The Future: World’s Largest Biometric Database 1.2 billion Identities

News From The Future: World’s Largest Biometric Database 1.2 billion Identities

Pt 101571

With National Database, India Tries to Reach the Poor @ NYTimes.com

KALDARI, India — Ankaji Bhai Gangar, a 49-year-old subsistence farmer, stood in line in this remote village until, for the first time in his life, he squinted into the soft glow of a computer screen.

His name, year of birth and address were recorded. A worker guided Mr. Gangar’s rough fingers to the glowing green surface of a scanner to record his fingerprints. He peered into an iris scanner shaped like binoculars that captured the unique patterns of his eyes.

With that, Mr. Gangar would be assigned a 12-digit number, the first official proof that he exists. He can use the number, along with a thumbprint, to identify himself anywhere in the country. It will allow him to gain access to welfare benefits, open a bank account or get a cellphone far from his home village, something that is still impossible for many people in India.

10 thoughts on “News From The Future: World’s Largest Biometric Database 1.2 billion Identities

  1. VRAndy says:

    Do NOT scar those fingers while you’re doing your manual labor.  I suggest good gloves.

    1. Francis Rohan John says:

      hey its india !!who u gonna tell?

    2. Francis Rohan John says:

      hey its india !!who u gonna tell?

  2. Francis Rohan John says:

    ya india rock!!

  3. Francis Rohan John says:

    ya india rock!!

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