Biometric platform created to help reunite children separated from families after earthquakes

A new technological tool has been introduced to aid in locating and reuniting children and adolescents separated from their families following the earthquakes on June 24 in Venezuela. The initiative, promoted by the political organization Vente Venezuela, features a digital platform based on biometric identification.

The platform aims to facilitate the cross-referencing of information between minors in temporary care and family members attempting to find them after the emergency. The project emerged from civil society sectors and Venezuelan professionals abroad who responded to the vulnerability of children affected by the tragedy, particularly those who lost contact with guardians amid the chaos of the natural disaster.

A multidisciplinary team of Venezuelan programmers and engineers voluntarily developed the tool. They created a system designed to consolidate verified data and expedite identification processes. The platform collects information from minors in shelters and compares it with data provided by adults seeking to reconnect with their children or relatives, with the goal of reducing search times and facilitating family reunification.

Given the sensitive nature of the collected information, project leaders emphasized that the platform was designed with technical criteria focused on protecting the privacy and rights of the children involved. The system includes security mechanisms for storing and processing biometric data to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of records. Creators stated that a primary objective is to bring greater organization to identification processes within temporary assistance centers, providing shelter managers with an additional mechanism to verify identities before releasing a minor to family members. Requirements for biometric data validation and access mechanisms are available free of charge through the Monitoreo Ciudadano digital platform.