India Enables Biometric Data Locking Feature for Aadhaar ID System to Combat Fraud

India’s national biometric ID system, Aadhaar, has implemented measures allowing citizens to lock their biometric data as a protection against fraudulent activities. Through the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) website or Maadhaar app, individuals can secure their iris and fingerprint data from unauthorized access while maintaining the ability to use their Virtual ID (VID) for authentication purposes. The system represents the world’s largest biometric identification program, now serving over 1.3 billion Indian residents, and has undergone several years of security enhancements.

The UIDAI has established a verification system that enables users to conduct random authentication checks through their website. When these checks are performed, users receive notifications via their registered email addresses indicating whether the authentication was successful. The authority advises users to report any unauthorized authentication attempts to their helpline at 1947. The notification system was implemented following earlier security concerns about unauthorized database access.

Recent incidents have highlighted the impact of identity misuse on financial transactions. Notable cases include unauthorized loans taken using the PAN details of public figures such as Sunny Leone and Rajkumar Rao. The UIDAI recommends regular monitoring of credit reports and immediate reporting of suspicious activities through either the national cyber crime reporting portal (1930) or the UIDAI helpline. The frequency of such incidents has led to faster implementation of enhanced security measures across India’s digital identity infrastructure.

The FIDO Alliance has addressed concerns regarding bias in biometric systems through their Face Verification Certification program. The initiative evaluates facial verification systems across diverse demographic groups to ensure equitable performance and security standards. As the first global certification program of its kind, it marks a significant advancement in establishing universal standards for biometric authentication.

The Aadhaar card issuance process incorporates multiple verification methods, including Aadhaar eKYC Biometric authentication, paper-based applications, and Aadhaar eKYC OTP with video verification. For enhanced security, Class 2 and Class 3 certificates require storage in FIPS 140-2 level 2 validated cryptographic devices. The multi-layered approach builds upon previous iterations of the system that faced challenges with KYC verification.

While the UIDAI continues to enhance security measures and prevent unauthorized data usage, specific data regarding the resolution rate of locked biometrics cases and subsequent card issuance is not currently available. The authority maintains its commitment to balancing accessibility with robust security protocols in what has become one of the world’s most ambitious digital identity programs.

Sources: Economic Times, Identosphere, CCA

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December 29, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team