New Delhi, Jan. 10 (PTI): People who have the UIDAI’s biometric identification will soon be able generate a virtual ID for various authentication purposes, instead of having to give the actual 12-digit number linked to iris- and finger-prints.
The Unique Identification Authority of India said the virtual ID, to be offered from March 1, should address the privacy concerns of those wary of sharing a number linked to all personal know-your-customer or KYC details as well as iris scans and fingerprints.
”Aadhaar number holder can use Virtual ID in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or KYC services are performed. Authentication may be performed using the Virtual ID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number,” a UIDAI circular said.
The income tax department, banks, mobile-telephony companies, government-owned companies and departments providing subsidised items now require users and beneficiaries to link their Aadhaar number with PAN or permanent account number, bank accounts and ration cards.
The virtual ID, a random 16-digit number mapped to the Aadhaar number, would give authorised agencies such as mobile telephony companies just the person’s name, address and photograph—which are usually enough for any verification.
Officials said a user may generate as many virtual IDs as he or she wants. The older ID gets automatically cancelled once a fresh one is generated.
The UIDAI has also introduced the concept of 'limited KYC' under which it will only provide need-based or limited details of a user to an authorised agency that is providing a particular service.
From June 1, agencies that need the Aadhaar to verify a person’s identity will have to depend only on the virtual ID. Agencies that do not migrate to the new system by then will face financial disincentives.
The agencies will not be allowed to generate a virtual ID on behalf of the holder.
The UIDAI expects the use of the virtual ID to strengthen the privacy and security of Aadhaar data, amid mounting concerns over the collection and storage of personal and demographic data of individuals.
The UIDAI has issued 1.19 billion biometric identifiers since the first one was created on September 29, 2010.
