Two arrested in Assam for unauthorized biometric data collection
Two men from Mizoram were arrested in Assam for collecting facial biometric data from over 200 residents without authorization, reportedly on behalf of an American multinational company. They organized camps offering small payments and claimed to represent a special scheme, but could not justify the data collection or provide proper documentation.
What happened
Two residents of Mizoram, Vanlalrinchhana (33) and Raymond Vatha Chozah (34), were arrested in Assam's Cachar district for collecting facial biometric data without authorization. They organized camps at a marriage hall in Silchar where they collected facial recognition data and biometric impressions from more than 200 residents, mostly youths, offering them small amounts of money.
The duo told participants they were working under a special scheme linked to an American multinational company. Police stated they were unable to provide valid reasons for the data collection exercise or proper authorisation or clear documentation.
Reported impact
Facial biometric data and biometric impressions were collected from more than 200 residents, mostly youths, without informed consent or proper authorization.
Governance controls
A case of cheating was registered against the arrested individuals at Silchar Sadar police station with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act also added.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.