Tunisia-Ramadhani: There is no meaning in deleting profession and husband’s surname from biometric identification card (video)

Speaking with Tunisie Numerique, a former member of the Euro-Mediterranean Executive Committee for Rights Massoud Ramadani remarked on the recent measure issued in the Official Gazette of the Tunisian Republic. This measure, published yesterday evening, addresses the option to delete the husband’s surname and profession from the national ID card. Ramadani reported that this change has been long demanded and examined on numerous occasions.

He highlighted that this issue has sparked considerable debate, especially in the context of the biometric identification card and passport, regarding the protection of personal data. The Personal Data Protection Authority has taken a clear position on this matter.

Ramadani elaborated on two central concerns. The first is that personal data registered on identification cards and biometric passports could lead to infractions of individual privacy. The second concern is the potential for hacking and misuse of this personal data—a risk that, according to him, many countries have confronted.

Concerning omitting the husband’s surname from the national ID card, Ramadani confirmed that this action has been frequently requested. It admitted that a wife possesses her name and surname. However, he warned that recording personal data could expose it to various entities. Conversely, implementing this change outside the biometric framework would be commendable.

Similarly, omitting the profession from the ID card, if executed outside the biometric system, would be a positive step towards preventing discrimination. Nevertheless, within the biometric framework, it could lead to unwarranted access to one’s profession, rendering personal data difficult to protect.