Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Telecommunications and Mass Media issued guidance that biometric data will not be collected from citizens without consent. The statement clarified a draft order circulated among working groups to regulate biometric data stored in banks and import it into the state unified biometric system. Citizens can voluntarily submit biometric data through a bank or a forthcoming mobile application in September. Biometric data will not be collected from surveillance cameras or other systems that do not require individual’s consent, according to the ministry.