Fingerprint-based Aadhaar Authentication- UIDAI introduced New security mechanisms

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented a new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and faster detection of spoofing attempts in order to make the Aadhaar card more secure and 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 mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and faster detection of spoofing attempts.

According to an official release from UIDAI, the in-house developed artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) based security mechanism is now checking the liveness of the captured fingerprint using a combination of finger minutia and finger image. UIDAI announced the new security mechanism for robust fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication in a statement, claiming that it makes Aadhaar authentication transactions more robust and secure.

The new two-factor/layer authentication includes additional checks to validate the genuineness (liveness) of the fingerprint, reducing the likelihood of spoofing attempts even further. The advancement is expected to be extremely useful in sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications, and government. It will fortify the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and deter malicious attempts by unscrupulous elements, benefiting those at the bottom of the pyramid. The new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication is now fully operational, according to the release. The rollout and migration occurred after months of planning and coordination by UIDAI with its partners and user agencies.

UIDAI maintained constant engagement and due diligence with authentication user agencies (AUAs) to inform 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 organisations that use Aadhaar authentication to provide services to an existing requesting entity.

The UIDAI headquarters and regional offices are in contact with all entities to assist any user agency (that has not yet migrated) in transitioning to the new secured authentication mode as soon as possible. The use of Aadhaar-based authentication transactions is increasing as it has proven to be a useful tool in obtaining various welfare benefits and services. The total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions had surpassed 88.29 billion by the end of December 2022, with an average of 70 million transactions per day. According to the release, the majority of them are fingerprint-based authentications, indicating their use and utility in daily lives.