By P. JIMÉNEZ

Find out why it is dangerous to share photos of your inked finger or your INE on social media during elections.

This June 2, elections will be held in Mexico and, as has happened before, some people will share selfies or photos on social media showing their inked finger or their INE after voting. Although this practice may seem harmless, it is actually dangerous as it exposes private information and your fingerprint, one of the most valuable biometric data for cybercriminals.

The popularity of these photos during election times can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and the exploitation of biometric data. It is crucial to understand the associated risks to make informed decisions about what we share online.

Why is it dangerous to post a photo of your inked finger?

Biometric data are unique biological or physical characteristics used to identify individuals, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and retina scans. These methods are widely used to access personal devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers, as well as for banking services and immigration procedures.

Even though certain conditions are needed to extract a fingerprint from a selfie, such as resolution, proximity, and adequate lighting, the quality of today’s smartphone cameras is so high that, if the image is clear, cybercriminals can take advantage of this situation to steal biometric data.

Keep in mind that another risk factor to your privacy could be posting an image of your INE or official ID.

Why shouldn’t you post photos of your INE on social media?

Posting photos of your INE is also risky because this official ID contains confidential information such as your address, date of birth, and CURP, which exposes you to identity theft. This data can be used to impersonate you and commit fraud.

Additionally, it is advisable not to share information about your polling station. For example, if your polling station is located in the plaza of a school or public building, avoid posting the exact location to not reveal your postal address.

Finally, avoid posting photos of your cast vote or the ballot paper. Sharing these images can not only be misused on social media but also exposes you to potential attacks from bots and other malicious users.

Reference