Tunisia has reached a significant milestone in its administrative modernization with the official adoption of biometric passports and ID cards. This announcement was made on March 7, 2024, by Hela Jaballah, president of the parliamentary commission on rights and freedoms. She specified that while these documents will only become mandatory for citizens in a few years, their implementation signifies significant progress in the country.
Data strictly governed by personal data protection legislation
Biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs will be recorded and stored in a database managed by the Ministry of Interior, particularly by the central administration of information. Only specifically authorized agents, such as the police, national guard, and customs, will have access to this information through automated readers. Hela Jaballah emphasized that access to this data would be strictly regulated by legislation on the protection of personal data, and the responsible ministry would be required to adhere to these obligations.
To ensure respect for individual rights in this transition to biometrics, the rights and freedoms commission proposes the creation of a surveillance body. This proposal must still receive approval from the President of the Republic and be published in the Official Gazette of the Tunisian Republic.
It is worth noting that the Assembly of the Representatives of the People (ARP) adopted two organic law projects on the evening of March 6, aiming to introduce the use of biometric ID cards and passports in Tunisia.
This advancement towards biometrics in Tunisia is part of a broader trend of adopting this technology across Africa. Many countries on the continent have already begun integrating biometric systems into their administrative processes, particularly for passports, national ID cards, and voting systems. This transition to biometrics is often seen as an effective means of enhancing security, combating fraud, and ensuring data accuracy. However, it also raises concerns regarding the protection of privacy and the security of personal data, underscoring the importance of establishing adequate regulations and surveillance mechanisms to ensure responsible use of this technology.
