The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which manages the Aadhaar national ID system, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Behavioural Insights Ltd (BIT), famously known as the Nudge Unit. The partnership will leverage behavioral science to increase the adoption of Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children.
Under the Aadhaar program, it is mandatory for children to have their biometrics (fingerprints, iris, and photo) updated upon reaching ages 5 and 15. This is a critical process for maintaining the accuracy of the world’s largest biometric database, as a child’s biometrics change significantly as they grow.
Behavioral science approach: Despite the requirement, timely compliance has been a challenge. The partnership with BIT aims to identify and systematically address the behavioural, logistical, and awareness-related barriers that prevent parents from completing the updates on time. BIT will help design and test evidence-based nudge interventions, such as simplified communication, timely reminders, and streamlined processes, to encourage families to visit enrollment centers.
“When technology is aligned with human behaviour, digital identity evolves from a purely technical process into a more seamless, trustworthy, and empowering experience,” said Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO of UIDAI, in a statement.
To further incentivize the program, UIDAI also recently waived all charges for MBU for children in the 7-to-15 age group. This waiver, effective from October 1, 2025, for one year, is expected to benefit nearly 60 million children and, combined with the new behavioral insights strategy, aims to ensure seamless access to the hundreds of public services and benefits linked to the Aadhaar ID.
The initiative builds on UIDAI’s broader efforts to modernize the system, including deploying biometric machines to schools, implementing biometric data locking features, and expanding face authentication capabilities.
Sources: UIDAI Press Release, Deccan Herald, Zee Business
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
