Digital Panopticon and the Use of Biometrics: the case of Russia

This paper aims to examine the official narratives surrounding the use of biometric data within the context of digital autocracies, focusing on understanding how these regimes justify, legitimize, and implement biometric surveillance practices. The objectives are to analyze the key themes and narratives in the official discourse and examine the strategic uses of biometric data as a tool of political control and legitimacy in the example of Russia. The research employs a Comparative Case Study methodology, utilizing the analysis of stated-affiliated media regarding the biometric data narratives. Expected results include insights into how digital autocracies construct and deploy narratives around biometric data, how these narratives shape public perceptions, and how the use of biometric data fits within broader surveillance framework. The structure of the work comprises an introduction outlining the research objectives, a literature review exploring existing literature on biometrics data and digital autocracies, a methodology section explaining the research approach, and a section on expected results. The conclusion reflects on the broader significance of the findings and outlines potential future research directions.