Aam Aadmi Ka Aadhaar becomes more secure and safe now
New Delhi, January 11: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has come up with a new two-layer security system, Virtual ID and limited Know Your Customer (KYC) to protect the data in the wake of numerous breaches.
Virtual ID is a 16-digit code that is generated at random at the time of authentication. Limited KYC facility is a 12-digit biometric code that gives agency-specific UID. Users can go to the UIDAI website to generate their virtual ID which will be valid for a defined period of time, or till the user decides to change it.
UIDAI officials said a user can generate as many Virtual IDs as he or she wants. The older ID gets automatically cancelled once a fresh one is generated. The new security system will come into effect from June 1.
The UIDAI is instructing all agencies using its authentication and eKYC services to ensure Aadhaar holders can provide the 16-digit Virtual ID instead of Aadhaar number within their application.
As many as 119 crore biometric identifiers have been issued so far and Aadhaar is required as an identity proof of residents by various government and non-government entities.
Explaining how the new security layer works, the creator Nilekani said, "This is a very significant announcement by the UIDAI and in some sense it makes the case against it go away. because it provides 2 or 3 very important features. Everybody can no create a virtual id which is attached to their Aadhaar number and they can now use it at all public places where they need to use the Aadhaar number.”
“They never have to give their Aadhaar number, they can give this virtual number which they can keep changing. That means this whole issue that you have to give the Aadhaar number everywhere goes away because you are giving the virtual ID."