Home / Business and Economy / VFS Global: Biometrics Not Stored, Says CEO
VFS Global: Biometrics Not Stored, Says CEO
6 Sep
Summary
- VFS Global's CEO asserts no biometric data is retained by the company.
- Applicant data is transmitted in real-time to embassies and governments.
- AI is utilized for fraud detection and process efficiency, not visa decisions.
VFS Global's CEO, Zubin Karkaria, has definitively stated that the company does not retain any applicant biometric data. Once collected at a VFS centre, information like fingerprints and facial images are transmitted instantly to the relevant government or embassy servers.
Founded in India in 2001, VFS Global's mission was to streamline visa application processes. Karkaria explained that limited personal data, such as names and passport details, might be temporarily held for a few days as per government agreements, but biometric information is never stored across their 4,500 global centres.
Karkaria also addressed concerns regarding premium services and appointment slots. He asserted that VFS Global does not push clients towards extra services, with most bookings occurring online. He also highlighted the company's efforts against fraudsters who promise visa appointment slots for payment.
Furthermore, AI is being employed by VFS Global to enhance efficiency, detect fraudulent activities, and manage documents. However, Karkaria stressed that AI's role is strictly supportive, with the ultimate decision on visa issuance remaining with human visa officers.
