Collection of Bio-metric Data and Right To Privacy in Canada
Biometrics stems from the Greek word bio which means life and metrics which means measurement. Thus biometric information pertains to an individual’s unique characteristics such as fingerprints, retina recognition, photographs, etc which distinguish him from the rest of the world.
From 31 December 2018, subject to certain exemptions, anyone who applies for a Canadian work visa, study visa, tourist visa or permanent residence is required to submit his/her biometrics. This poses certain challenges for both the individuals and the Canadian government.
Let’s first examine the policy relating to the collection of biometric data from the immigrants:
1. Certain individuals are exempted from providing their biometrics. This includes without limitation Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents; children under the age of 14; applicants over the age of 79; visa-exempt nationals; diplomats; US visa holders transiting through Canada and refugee claimants.
2. Upon submission, the fingerprints are …