I was at the MNIC id card conversion centre, Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port-Louis, this morning. Folks from the « No to biometric data on ID Card » platform and Rezistans ek Alternativ were gathered for a common cause; i.e to apply for the identity card but refuse to consent to the recording of their fingerprints.

Quick recap

The Mauritius National Identity Card unit requires the signature of citizens on a declaration form that would say they consent to the recording & processing of their fingerprint image data for the creation on fingerprint minutiae. The exact text reads as follows:

I have no objection that my fingerprint minutiae be processed and recorded for the purpose of producing my identity card. I understand that this information will be erased permanently from the register once the identity card has been printed.

I do not agree with the above. Likewise, many people, from various groups as well as individuals, do not consent with the above statement.

Press

Jeff Lingaya from the “No to Biometric data on ID Card” platform says the government is not giving the citizen a choice on the identity card matter.

Folks from the Rezistans ek Alternativ group are calling the government for more assurance to preserve the rights and dignity of the citizens.