Vietnam to collect biometrics - even DNA - for new ID cards

Vietnam will begin collecting expanded biometric data—iris scans, voice samples, and DNA—for its national identification system starting in July, under amendments to the Law on Citizen Identification. The updated IDs will integrate functions of multiple documents (e.g., health insurance, driver’s licenses), include a QR code instead of fingerprints, and be managed by the Ministry of Public Security, with data shared across government agencies as part of a national database.