Context:
Recently, the CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation proposed that the DigiYatra technology used at airports could be implemented at hotels and public places such as historical monuments.
Relevance:
GS Government policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of DigiYatra
- Concerns
Overview of DigiYatra
- Introduction:
- The ‘DigiYatra’ initiative introduces a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel (BEST) experience using facial-recognition technology.
- Functionality:
- This system facilitates check-in at airports by utilizing biometric data, enabling paperless movement through airport checkpoints.
- Coordination:
- DigiYatra is an industry-led initiative coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- Implementation:
- Launched in 2022, DigiYatra is currently operational at 14 airports, with plans to extend to 15 more by the end of 2024.
- Potential Expansion:
- The application of DigiYatra may extend beyond airports to other public venues, such as hotels, indicating its broader potential.
Concerns
- Privacy:
- There are concerns about the government gaining increased access to individuals’ travel information through this system.
- DigiYatra collects comprehensive facial biometric data from passengers, raising privacy issues.
Governance
- DigiYatra Foundation:
- The initiative is managed by Digi Yatra Foundation, a non-profit private entity.
- The foundation is composed of a consortium of private airports, holding a 74% share, while the Airports Authority of India holds a 26% share.
-Source: The Hindu
