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Lebanon Launches Platform For Passport Renewal
Earlier today, Lebanon’s General Security announced the launch of a new platform dedicated to passport renewals. The platform can be used by both residents and Lebanese expats around the world, and is intended to simplify the process that had become cumbersome as of late.
All you have to do is visit this website in order to book an appointment, whether it be regular or urgent (should the applicant have a visa and ticket for an upcoming trip). After entering in your mobile phone number, you will receive a pin code and then be prompted to fill out your details.
This comes after passport queues were resulting in people waiting in line for hours on end for a number, only to have to return weeks later for their travel document.
Despite the fact that this platform is intended to streamline the process, Lebanese NGO Social Media Exchange (SMEX) has highlighted some major security gaps. According to SMEX, the platform lacks the requisite security and privacy measures and is shockingly “powered by the foundation of a candidate running for elections in the Metn area”.
This brings forth concerns over data collection and privacy.
All you have to do is visit this website in order to book an appointment, whether it be regular or urgent (should the applicant have a visa and ticket for an upcoming trip). After entering in your mobile phone number, you will receive a pin code and then be prompted to fill out your details.
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— (@DGSG_Security) January 27, 2022
https://t.co/Z5CR9Cql8Z
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This comes after passport queues were resulting in people waiting in line for hours on end for a number, only to have to return weeks later for their travel document.
This is the line to get a passport or a renewal, it is now 2 am and we need to wait till 3 to get a number. pic.twitter.com/KZNC6QLFVa
— circe (@bored_circe) August 10, 2021
Despite the fact that this platform is intended to streamline the process, Lebanese NGO Social Media Exchange (SMEX) has highlighted some major security gaps. According to SMEX, the platform lacks the requisite security and privacy measures and is shockingly “powered by the foundation of a candidate running for elections in the Metn area”.
LEBANON (thread): A new platform for booking passport renewal appointments seems to be lacking data security and privacy measures, as well as transparency. What’s worse, it’s powered by the foundation of a candidate running for elections in the Metn area. pic.twitter.com/f33mWT5U1l
— SMEX (@SMEX) January 27, 2022
This brings forth concerns over data collection and privacy.