Recently Aadhaar has been in news for data leak and privacy concerns. In a bid to address privacy concerns, on 10 January 2018 UIDAI has introduced a new concept of ‘Virtual ID’. Now Aadhaar card holder can generate Virtual ID number from UIDAI website and give this number for various purposes, like SIM verification etc. Now the actual 12-digit biometric ID is not required to be shared.
The move will strengthen the privacy and security of Aadhaar data and comes amid heightened concerns around the collection and storage of personal and demographic data of individuals.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has also introduced the concept of ‘limited KYC’ under which it will only provide need-based or limited details of a user to an authorized agency that is providing a particular service like a telecom company.
The UIDAI is instructing all agencies using its authentication and eKYC services to ensure Aadhaar holders can provide the 16-digit Virtual ID instead of Aadhaar number.
Important points to know about Aadhaar Virtual IDs
- This will give the users the option of not sharing their biometric linked Aadhaar number at the time of any authentication.
- The Virtual ID, will be a random 16-digit number. It will give limited details like name, address and photograph, which are enough for any verification.
- You can generate as many Virtual IDs as you want.
- The older Virtual ID will get automatically cancelled once you generate a fresh ID.
- The Virtual ID will be a temporary and revocable 16 digit random number mapped to a person’s Aadhaar number.
- This system will become operational from March 1, 2018.
- From June 1, 2018 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.
- Users can go to the UIDAI website to generate their virtual ID which will be valid for a defined period of time or till you generate a new Virtual ID.
- You can give this Virtual ID to service agencies along with the fingerprint at the time of authentication.
- Since the system generated Virtual ID will be mapped to an individual’s Aadhaar number itself at the back end, it will do away with the need for the user to share Aadhaar number for authentication.
- It will also reduce the collection of Aadhaar numbers by various agencies.
- As per the UIDAI, agencies that undertake authentication will not be allowed to generate the Virtual ID on behalf of Aadhaar holder.
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