Official: Russia has no plans to start issuing e-passports in 2017

MOSCOW, Dec 30 (PRIME) -- Russia will not start issuing electronic passports in 2017, Deputy Communications and Mass Media Minister Alexei Volin told reporters Friday.

There is still no precise timing to introduce electronic passports. “We can certainly say that it won’t be the case in 2017,” Volin said.

Presidential aide for the Internet German Klimenko said earlier that he hopes issuance of e-ID could debut in 2017. A single register of citizens, which could be used by all authorities, is being crafted, as Klimenko said.

Volin said the implementation of electronic passports is not only a technological, but rather a psychological issue.

“The fundamental point on the matter is to study and consider all possible aspects. The introduction of electronic passports should be most comfortable for people. It will take time, including for most of citizens to understand advantages of an electronic form of services, including electronic IDs,” the deputy minister said.

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