_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "Biometric validation in Honduras")
The enforced application of biometric verification for cell phone users in Honduras has stirred notable debate in several areas, such as political, legal, and social domains. This initiative, driven by the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), demands that individuals confirm their biometric information by June 1, 2025, to maintain their phone services operational. Not adhering to this mandate might lead to losing existing phone numbers, causing unease among citizens and different groups.
The process for biometric validation demands that individuals submit a picture of their face together with their National ID Document (DNI) to confirm their identity. CONATEL claims that this initiative aims to tackle offenses like extortion and the use of unidentified phone lines, which obstruct the efforts of the authorities. Nevertheless, the action has sparked concerns about its legal standing, transparency, and potential impacts on the privacy of citizens.
Disputes in law and politics related to biometric authentication
Different political and social figures have voiced worries over the legal aspects and management of the collected biometric information. Legislator Carlos Umaña, from the Salvadoran Party of Honduras (PSH), emphasized that the initiative is missing proper legal justification, labeling it as “entirely unlawful” and advising people not to follow the directive until there’s a defined regulatory structure overseeing the gathering and utilization of biometric information by CONATEL. This viewpoint highlights a discussion regarding the validation of the initiative and the safeguarding of basic rights.
On the other hand, Roberto Montenegro, president of the Patriotic Alliance Party, has expressed concerns about the possible political use of biometric information, especially in an election year. Montenegro argues that only the National Registry of Persons (RNP) has the legal authority to handle biometric data, which calls into question CONATEL’s competence to carry out this initiative. These criticisms highlight concerns about the possible political manipulation of sensitive data and the need to guarantee the security and privacy of citizens.
As a response, CONATEL’s leader Lorenzo Sauceda has supported the action, affirming that it is lawful, open, and considerate. He refuted claims that biometric checks serve electoral aims and explained that phone companies, rather than the government, oversee the process. Moreover, he mentioned that the government isn’t forming any new database and that the gathered data will adhere to predetermined uses only, aiming to allay concerns about data usage.
Perspectives and future actions in the discussion about biometric authentication
CONATEL has been called to present itself before the National Congress’s Security and Citizen Prevention Commission on May 28, 2025. The purpose is to clarify the technical and legal rationale behind biometric validation. This meeting will be essential for discussing issues related to privacy, legality, and transparency of the procedure, potentially affecting whether the measure is upheld or changed.
Public sentiment has sparked considerable debate on social media and among citizen groups, with numerous users voicing dissatisfaction and worries over potential privacy breaches and the unclear implementation process. Some individuals have even announced that they will not comply with the validation, doubting the authorities’ capability to disconnect millions of phone lines without significant impacts on national communications.