Afghanistan: Taliban Seize Sophisticated Biometric Devices Built By US, Putting Countless Lives In Danger
The Taliban have reportedly seized US-made biometric devices that could risk the lives of thousands of people living in Afghanistan. Here's why it's a worrying development
After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Ashraf Ghani-led administration's collapse, fears of sophisticated military paraphernalia and technology landing in the hands of the militants have troubled many.
Now, the Taliban have acquired biometric technology developed by the US military, an explosive report by The Intercept revealed.
Many dissidents who formerly worked with American officials are also under pressure to flee Afghanistan as the Taliban attempt to acquire more control over the country's polity.
Even though the militants have promised amnesty to naysayers and promised "no revenge", trusting a militancy group with a horrible track record in human rights may be premature.
Reuters
What does this tech do?
Former military officials told The Intercept that the devices known as "HIIDE" or Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment were acquired by the Taliban last week - even before they assumed leadership of the embattled country.
Also read: How Services Like WhatsApp Are Facilitating Evacuation Of Afghans Under Taliban
Now, many are worried about real-life consequences for those whose data is lodged in these devices.
AP
In the last two decades, during the American occupation of Afghanistan, some progress was made in terms of women's rights, activism and free speech. This is in stark opposition to the 90s style Taliban rule which favoured public executions, social exclusion of women, and focuses on Islamic Sharia Law.
What do these devices contain?
According to a Joint Special Operations Command officer and three former US military personnel, the HIIDE devices store biometric data like iris scans and fingerprints.
But that's not all. The sophisticated military tech also contains biographical information of the subjects, probably indicating the role they played when assisting American forces.
Even then, it's unclear how much of this data may have been accessed by the Taliban, who are not particularly known for their technological prowess and depend on sheer force to subjugate people.
Reuters
The US has received widespread criticism for its ill-planned pullout from Afghanistan and for not doing enough to protect its allies who are currently stuck in the country.
Also read: Struggling For Food To Fear Of Death, The Life Of Afghans When Taliban Last Ruled Afghanistan
Horrific visuals of people latching on to moving military planes and bodies falling from the sky thereafter have come to represent the desperation currently being felt by many Afghans who do not wish to live under Taliban rule.
The HIIDE technology has been used by US forces to track terrorists and insurgents since unleashing its "war on terror".
Do you think it's highly irresponsible on the US' part to not even attempt to dismantle its sophisticated tech before pulling out? Discuss in comments.
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