India, March 3 -- African governments are expanding biometric digital ID systems to deliver public services

New report warns millions face exclusion, discrimination and privacy risks

Weak legal safeguards and limited oversight raise fears of data misuse and rights violations

Across Africa, governments are introducing digital systems that use individuals' unique physical measurements to identify them. These systems collect citizens' biometric and personal data and use it to give people access to essential public services like voting, healthcare, education and social protection. Biometric digital identification systems are often promoted as tools to improve efficiency, inclusion and service delivery.

But a new report by the African Digi...