The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a temporary 16-digit Aadhaar’s Virtual ID for increased privacy of Aadhaar holders. It can be used in place of their Aadhaar numbers for authentication purposes.
The new system is expected to be effective from the end of March and it is aimed at minimizing instances of leak and misuse. Privacy concerns were raised when a newspaper exposed the unauthorized access of the UIDAI database earlier this month. And so UIDAI made the announcement of the two-layered security on Wednesday.
Also Read: Amidst privacy concerns, UIDAI restricts use of Aadhaar numbers
The new security system was imposed due to increasing number of private agencies demanding Aadhaar number of their clients to authenticate their identity. However, now, by the end of March, people will have an option not to do so. Instead, they will be able to share a Virtual ID, which is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number that is mapped to the Aadhaar number.
Furthermore, the system also allows you to generate, retrieve and revoke their Aadhaar Virtual ID number from UIDAI website, mAadhaar mobile app or Aadhaar enrolment centres. The authorized agencies can only get limited details such as name, address and photograph. This system will reduce the number of people who will know your Aadhaar number.
There will only be one active and valid Aadhaar Virtual ID for an Aadhaar number, at any given point in time. It allows a user to generate as many Virtual IDs as he or she wants. The older ID would involuntarily get cancelled once a fresh one is generated, which can be used by only Aadhaar number holders. Identities such as Authentication User Agency (AUA) and KUA (KYC User Agency) won’t be able to generate Virtual ID on Aadhaar holder’s behalf.
E-KYC services and all the authorization agencies will ensure Aadhaar number holders are able to use Aadhaar Virtual ID. From June 1, 2018, it will be compulsory for authorized agencies to accept virtual ID for authentication.