Aadhaar Update: UIDAI Rolls Out AI-Based Security System To Check On Spoofing

UIDAI has successfully rolled out a new AI/ML-enabled security mechanism for robust fingerprint authentication, & faster detection of spoofing attempts

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new security system for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and quicker detection of spoofing attempts, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

Aadhaar has become a single source of online and offline identity verification for residents across the country. The Centre has come out with new changes in Aadhaar in a bid to prevent identity-related fraud. 

According to the UIDAI tweet, "UIDAI has successfully rolled out a new AI/ML enabled security mechanism for robust fingerprint authentication, & faster detection of spoofing attempts."

What is the new security mechanism?

The security feature is designed for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and faster detection of spoofing attempts. The artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) based security mechanism will now be using a combination of both "finger minutia and finger image" to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured, according to the UIDAI.

This two-factor/layer authentication will be an add-on check to validate the genuineness (liveness) of the fingerprint to cut down the chances of spoofing attempts.

Who will benefit?

The new technology could be beneficial in segments such as banking and financials, telecom, and government sectors. The change will strengthen the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and curb malicious attempts by unscrupulous elements, thus benefiting the ‘bottom of the pyramid'.

Currently, the UIDAI and its regional offices are in touch with all entities for facilitating any user agency (that may not have migrated yet) to switch over to the new secured authentication mode, at the earliest.

What you should know about authentication user agencies (AUAs)

 “AUA is an entity engaged in providing Aadhaar-enabled services to Aadhaar number holders using the authentication as facilitated by the authentication service agency. Sub-AUAs are agencies that use Aadhaar authentication to enable their services through an existing requesting entity. UIDAI has expressed its thanks to all the AUAs/Sub AUAs for the support and cooperation.”

“The UIDAI head office and its regional offices are in touch with all entities for facilitating any user agency (that may not have migrated yet) to switch over to the new secured authentication mode at the earliest,” it added.

Meanwhile, the number of Aadhaar authentication transactions had crossed 88.29 billion and clocked an average per day transactions of 70 million as of December 2022.

Also, the UIDAI launched a new AI/ML-based chatbot, ‘Aadhaar Mitra’ for citizens last month. The chatbot will help the users regarding queries like Aadhaar enrollment/update status, tracking of Aadhaar PVC card status, and information on enrollment centre location.