Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along drew attention to possible limits of biometric verification systems after posting a short video on X showing repeated failures to complete an iris scan of a Naga man during a KYC process. Along captioned the clip “Struggle is real,” and the footage shows multiple attempts to capture the man’s eyes while others try to hold his eyelids open, prompting laughter from those present.
Presented in a light-hearted tone, the post nevertheless flagged a deeper concern: whether widely used biometric technologies are sufficiently inclusive. Iris and fingerprint scanners used for KYC, authentication and access to digital services typically depend on standardized biometric parameters, and problems can arise when device design or calibration does not account for natural variations in physical features across different populations.
Several users who responded to Along’s post urged the development of alternative verification methods so people are not disadvantaged by their biological characteristics. One commenter wrote that “alternative methods” should be created when people face such problems, arguing no one should be excluded due to physical traits. Another asked whether existing biometric systems adequately consider population differences and suggested India could look at systems used elsewhere in Asia.
Along has frequently used humour on social media and at public events to address stereotypes about people from India’s Northeast, particularly perceptions about eye shape. The theme resurfaced in 2022 when he joked at a public event that having smaller eyes meant less dirt entered them and made it easier to sleep during long programmes; that remark went viral and was shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described Along as being “in full form.”
Responding in his familiar style, Along has said that although his eyes may be small, he could still see the camera from a distance and was “always pose ready.” His latest post follows the same approach-using a common, relatable moment of humour to draw attention to the accessibility and inclusiveness of technology, and to the need for solutions that ensure equitable access to digital services for all communities.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/struggle-is-real-temjen-imna-along-highlights-biometric-verification-woes-with-humorous-kyc-video-1437592-2026-08-13?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-08-13 22:53:00
