UIDAI adds another security feature to Aadhaar: Facial recognition
Less than a week after announcing a new two-layer safety feature, the UIDAI has come up with another facility to increase security: your face. The virtual ID and limited KYC features will be implemented by June, the UIDAI had said. Facial recognition technology is also in testing and will be launched by July. Here's how the new system will work.
How will the new facial recognition system work?
One condition of the new facial recognition system is that it has to be used in conjunction with another authentication method, like fingerprint, iris or OTP. According to ET, people won't have to visit Aadhaar centers for the process. UIDAI will apparently work with biometric device providers to integrate face modality into registered devices as well as provide standalone services.
Virtual ID and limited KYC also being rolled out
The Virtual ID is a 16-digit number generated randomly everytime your Aadhaar has to be authenticated. Instead of providing agencies your real Aadhaar, you can submit this virtual ID, thus keeping your Aadhaar confidential. Under limited KYC, UIDAI will issue a unique token for Aadhaar holders, which will remain same for any one agency. Thus none will need to store your real Aadhaar.
You could also lock your biometrics to protect data
To lock your biometrics, visit the UIDAI website at www.uidai.gov.in, then go to 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' under Aadhaar Services. Under 'Lock your Biometrics', enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the security code as specified. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the relevant space and 'Login'. Enter the security code once again and click on 'Enable'.
Protecting Aadhaar data privacy, thwarting cyber attacks major challenges: Report
Days ago, an RBI-backed research note flagged serious concerns about Aadhaar. "The primary challenge is to protect the data from the prying and excessive profit-seeking excess of the business world," it said. But cyber vulnerability is a bigger concern, the report claimed. "(A) major challenge for UIDAI is to protect the data under its control since the biometrics is now an important national asset."
