UIDAI launches 'virtual ID' to help keep people's Aadhar card information safe

It will be a random 16-digit number, along with biometrics of the user, which will give an authorised agency limited details - just the individual's name, address and photograph

Representation pic

In a bid to address privacy concerns, the UIDAI yesterday introduced a new concept of 'Virtual ID', which an Aadhaar-card holder can generate from its website and give for various purposes, including SIM verification, instead of sharing the actual 12-digit biometric ID. This is being done in a bid to give users the option of not sharing their Aadhaar number at the time of authentication.

The Virtual ID, which will be a random 16-digit number, along with biometrics of the user will give any authorised agency, like a mobile company, limited details, such as the name, address and photograph, which are enough for any verification. Officials said a user can generate as many Virtual IDs as s/he wants. Once an individual generates a new ID, the older one gets cancelled automatically.

Mapped to Aadhaar number
The Virtual ID will be a temporary and revocable 16-digit number mapped to a person's Aadhaar number, and the Aadhaar-issuing body will start accepting it from March 1.

From June 1, it will be compulsory for all agencies that undertake authentication to accept the Virtual ID from their users. Agencies that do not migrate to the new system to offer this additional option to their users by the stipulated deadline will face financial disincentives.

"Aadhaar number holder can use Virtual ID in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or KYC services are performed. Authentication may be performed using the Virtual ID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number," a UIDAI circular stated.

The move aims to strengthen the privacy and security of Aadhaar data and comes amid concerns around the collection and storage of personal and demographic data of individuals. Users can go to the UIDAI website to generate their Virtual ID.

Punjab govt supports Tribune
Punjab's Amarinder Singh government yesterday extended its support to the protest by The Tribune employees against filing of an FIR against the newspaper's journalist over a report on alleged breach of Aadhaar data.

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