Around 30 representatives of private children's centres, sports clubs and creative studios were taken to the police after a protest outside the Akimat of Astana. The participants spoke out against the mandatory introduction of Face ID for tracking children's attendance under the QOSYMSHA.KZ programme. Official warnings were issued to some of them.
WHY THE PARTICIPANTS CAME TO THE AKIMAT
According to the Astana education department, on 4 November around 30 representatives of supplementary education organisations gathered near the Akimat building. They wanted to discuss the mandatory use of biometric identification of children with the deputy akim.
According to the department, there was no prior appointment for a personal reception and no arrangements for a meeting. Instead of the deputy akim, the participants spoke with staff from the education department and the centre for supplementary education.
WHY THE POLICE INTERVENED
After the conversation, those gathered continued to express disagreement with the innovation. The Astana education department stated that in doing so they had breached public order.
Police officers took the participants to the Saryarka district police department to clarify the circumstances. Official warnings were issued to some citizens.
WHY FACE ID IS BEING INTRODUCED FOR CHILDREN'S CLUBS
The akimat explains the introduction of the technology by the need to monitor actual attendance at clubs and sections. Electronic identification should make it possible to check whether children really attend the classes for which the state transfers budget funds.
According to the education department, Face ID is currently being tested in two private supplementary education organisations in Astana. The equipment was provided to them free of charge.
The authorities also state that children's personal and biometric data will be processed in accordance with the requirements of personal data legislation. According to the department, no complaints from parents or children had been received as of the time of publication.
WHERE ELSE THE SYSTEM IS BEING INTRODUCED
The use of electronic attendance tracking, including QR codes and biometric identification, is provided for by the pilot project algorithm and contracts with education service providers.
Similar monitoring mechanisms are being implemented in six regions of Kazakhstan: Astana, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kyzylorda and Aktobe regions.
