UIDAI Has Rolled Out A New Security Mechanism For Aadhaar-Based Fingerprint Authentication 

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented a new security mechanism to make the Aadhaar card more secure and to protect citizens' data.

The UIDAI, which is mandated to issue an easily verifiable 12-digit Aadhaar card to all Indian residents, has launched a new technique for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and speedier detection of spoofing efforts.

The artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) based security mechanism was created in-house, according to an official announcement from UIDAI. The new process uses a  'combination of both finger minutia and finger image' to determine the liveness of the captured fingerprint.

UIDAI in a statement unveiled the new security mechanism for strong fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication and claimed "this is making Aadhaar authentication transactions even more robust and secure" The new two-factor/layer authentication is adding add-on checks to validate the genuineness (liveness) of the fingerprint so as to further cut down the chances of spoofing attempts," according to the announcement. The advancement is likely to be extremely useful in sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications, and government. It would enhance the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and deter malicious attempts by unscrupulous groups, helping those at the bottom of the pyramid'.

"The new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication has now become fully functional. The rollout and migration happened after months of discussion and hand-holding by UIDAI of its partners and user agencies," The release added. UIDAI maintained regular interaction and due diligence with authentication user agencies (AUAs) to enlighten them (AUAs/ Sub AUAs) about the benefits of the new system. AUA is a company that provides Aadhaar-enabled services to 12-digit ID holders through authentication provided by the authentication service agency. Sub-AUAs are agencies that use Aadhaar authentication to provide services to an existing seeking entity.

The UIDAI headquarters and regional offices are in contact with all entities to assist any user agency (that has not yet transitioned) in transitioning to the new protected authentication mode as soon as possible.

The use of Aadhaar-based authentication transactions is increasing as it has shown to be a useful tool in obtaining various welfare benefits and services. "By the end of December 2022, the total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions had surpassed 88.29 billion, with an average of 70 million transactions each day. The majority of these are fingerprint-based authentications, indicating their popularity and value in everyday life "The release continued.