Parliament discusses biometric data processing bill

Zagreb - The Croatian parliament on Wednesday discussed a bill on biometric data processing, which would ensure interoperability of information systems in Croatia and their interoperability with information systems in the European Union.

The interoperability of information systems in Croatia and their interoperability with information systems in the European Union is ensured by using a common technical solution for comparing biometric patterns, in line with Croatian and EU regulations, Žarko Katić, state secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, said while presenting the bill.

The bill would ensure conditions for processing people's physical traits and their identification.

Interoperability could prevent illegal arrests and unjustified expulsions of asylum seekers, and could help detect identity fraud, which would further improve security in Croatia and the Schengen area, Katić said.

Miroslav Tuđman (HDZ) drew attention to possible negative consequences, noting that legal norms were lagging behind technology. He proposed setting up interdisciplinary expert groups to anticipate technological changes and possible violations, calling for more appropriate protection of people's dignity.

Author: Hina