Izvestia: The Ministry of Digital Science may supplement certificates of vaccination against COVID-19 with a photo 
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia is considering the possibility expanding coronavirus vaccination certificates. In particular, the department wanted to supplement the document with a photograph of its owner, Izvestia writes.
The purpose of the innovation
The Izvestia source said that the issue of adding one detail to the vaccination certificates was discussed by representatives of the Ministry of Digital Industry and the Ministry of Health at the end of last week … Officials of the departments explained that the initiative will allow Russians to pass the QR code in public places without presenting a passport, which could shorten the queues.
However, the relevant ministries are considering other ways to combat queues that may arise after the introduction of the rule on the presentation of certificates in public places. In particular, the departments suggested checking the documents at the stage of buying tickets for international and intercity transport. The Ministry of Digital Science declined to comment.
What is a QR code?
At the moment, the QR code does not include personal data. Only the first letters of the last name, first name and patronymic of a Russian are reflected on the device of employees who verify the authenticity of the document. This circumstance makes it necessary to verify the certificate with the passport. However, if photographs are added to the vaccination certificate, then Russians will not have to present their passport every time they visit a public place.
90-95 percent of Russians should be vaccinated against coronavirus, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova
On November 12, draft amendments on the use of QR codes were submitted to the State Duma, which confirm the fact of vaccination against coronavirus or a previous illness over the past six months. The government has proposed to oblige passengers of trains and planes throughout Russia to demonstrate the code.
In addition, the requirement was conceived to be introduced when visiting public places. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that the vaccination certificate should become as important a document for citizens as a passport. Russians who have had no symptoms of coronavirus will also receive QR codes.
Ways of implementationMaterials on the topic00: 01 – October 25 
“Mild epidemic of dementia” Russians do not want to be vaccinated and observe antikidny measures. What do doctors say about this? 00:01 – 12 November 
“There will always be dissent” Some Russians deny the coronavirus and do not want to be vaccinated. How to convince them?
The question about the source of adding the photo to the certificate is still open. It is assumed that the snapshot can be taken from the profile of a Russian on the “Gosuslug” portal.
In addition, the option of using photographs from the Unified Biometric System (UBS) in the document is being considered. It is supported by Rostelecom, Gosuslugi, and is also used by banks to remotely identify clients. At the same time, the number of EBS users in Rostelecom is not named. According to information at the end of May 2021, about 200 thousand people were registered in it. At the same time, about 80 million users have created accounts on “Gosuslugi”.
Advantages of the idea
Konstantin Ankilov, CEO of TMT-Consulting, said that adding QR codes with photographs of their users is a positive and convenient innovation, since Russians will not have to carry a passport with them, and the inspectors – to compare the information from the smartphone screen and the document.
As the user experience shows in countries where QR codes are already in place, constantly showing both your smartphone and your passport in stores, restaurants and other places is extremely tedious
Konstantin Ankilov General Director of TMT Consulting
TelecomDaily CEO Denis Kuskov suggested that if Russians are offered quick and convenient access without a passport, in the form of a “QR code plus photo” certificate, and a certain source is selected for photographs, it will become popular. In particular, he admitted that the demand for EBS services could grow significantly. Currently, it is not large, since the system offers those functions that are already presented on “Gosuslugi”.
Disadvantages
Lyubov Shebanova, head of the criminal and administrative law practice at Amulex.ru, said that the distribution of photographs threatens their unauthorized use. Therefore, by expanding vaccination certificates, it is necessary to ensure the protection of personal data. Igor Bederov, head of the department of information and analytical research at T.Hunter, added that combining QR codes and photographs on one screen is unlikely to protect documents from counterfeiting.
Modern software tools make it easy to compile fake documents by adding they even have signatures of people, not to mention photographs
Igor BederovHead of Information and Analytical Research Department, T.Hunter
According to Bederov, in order to achieve reliable recognition of QR codes, it is necessary to use certified software for verifying the document.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Duma Viacheslav Volodin said that the draft on mandatory QR codes will be sent for consideration to the Russian regions. chamber, the Accounts Chamber and the Federation Council until December 14 inclusive. According to him, lawmakers, executive authorities, representatives of the public, business and experts in various fields will be able to carefully study the document in order to formulate their comments and suggestions later.