UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) recently introduced significant new features for Aadhaar card holders aimed at enhancing personal security. Now, users can lock and unblock their biometric data—fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition—through the mAadhaar app or the My Aadhaar portal. This important feature is expected to prevent unauthorized use of personal information, making it harder for fraudsters to misuse Aadhaar numbers.
The biometric locking system ensures any unauthorized entity cannot access the biometric data without explicit user permission. This is especially relevant as the digital age progresses and cyber threats become more prevalent.
The process of locking biometric data is straightforward. Users simply visit the mAadhaar app or My Aadhaar portal, log in by entering their Aadhaar number, and confirm their identity using a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number. Once logged in, users select the “Lock Biometrics” option, which secures their fingerprints, iris, and facial data. A confirmation message follows to confirm the lock.
When necessary, users can also unblock their biometric data by following similar steps through the same platforms. They can choose to temporarily or permanently unblock their data, which is especially necessary if they need to access services or transactions requiring biometric authentication.
It’s also important to note the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) requirement. Aadhaar holders under the age of five must update their biometric data upon turning five, and again upon reaching the age of fifteen. This ensures the biometric data remains current and reflective of the individual’s physical characteristics as they grow.
Despite these advancements, problems persist at many Aadhaar centers across India. Reports indicate operations have been compromised at several facilities, causing delays and hardships for the public. For example, users are experiencing significant wait times and logistical challenges, as many registration centers have closed due to administrative issues. Currently, the Bank of India is the only functional Aadhaar center within certain regions, creating frustrating scenes where long lines of people await their chance to process Aadhaar requests.
One parent, Vivek Kumar, quite exasperated, shared, "I had to wait several days, disrupted my daily routine just to get my child's Aadhaar made, which is now mandatory for school registration." This sentiment reflects the growing frustration as the demand for Aadhaar increases, particularly following mandates requiring Aadhaar for school admissions.
Officials from UIDAI, including Bhuwanes Kumar, the CEO, have emphasized the significance of maintaining the reliability of Aadhaar services to bolster trust within the digital economy. They are working diligently to streamline operations at these centers to address the pending issues. It's expected the re-opening of these centers would alleviate some of the pressures faced by residents needing Aadhaar services.
The Indian government has also launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal aimed at simplifying the authentication request process, enhancing user satisfaction, and increasing accessibility of Aadhaar-related services. This initiative not only seeks to streamline transactions but also aims to improve the overall user experience, making Aadhaar increasingly user-friendly.
According to UIDAI, over one billion Indians currently rely on Aadhaar for various services and transactions, underscoring its role as the world’s most trusted digital identification system. With over 100 billion authentications recorded, the importance of maintaining and improving these services becomes evident.
While the challenges facing Aadhaar centers are being addressed, the heightened security features now available to users signal promising steps toward greater data integrity and user care. Should any additional questions or concerns arise, UIDAI offers support through their hotline at 1947, and users are encouraged to visit nearby Aadhaar centers for assistance.
Overall, these developments portray the commitment of UIDAI to both innovate and maintain quality services for Aadhaar card users, seeking to balance operational efficiency with user security.