UIDAI Introduces Face Authentication as Another Layer of Security
Last Updated : Jan. 15, 2018, 6:06 p.m.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has decided to introduce face recognition as an additional means of aadhaar authentication along with fingerprints and iris. This move allows easy authentication for those who are facing issues with other forms of biometric verification. This new aadhaar measure is expected to be available in fusion mode with existing means of authentication and is implemented by 1 July 2018. UIDAI said that this new feature is going to be helpful for those who are not able to biometrically authenticate because of their worn out fingerprints , old age or hard work conditions.
Talking more about this security measure, UIDAI on Monday also stated that at the time of aadhaar enrolment, face photo of a resident is also captured,which can further be leveraged in order to verify the identity of an aadhaar number holder. UIDAI announced that it will provide Software Development Kits (SDKs)/Registered Device (RD) services in various operating systems that will capture the face image, check liveness and will form a digitally signed and encrypted authentication input (PID block). According to UIDAI, failing of these directions will lead towards section 42 and 43 of the Aadhaar Act,2016.
Moreover, this face authentication measure will give ‘additional choice’ to those people who are having difficulties with their fingerprints or iris authentication. This new security feature will be allowed only in fusion mode along with one more authentication factor, combined either with iris, OTP or fingerprint to be successfully authenticate the aadhaar number holder.
However, this does not mean that individuals have to go to an Aadhaar Centre again for facial authentication. Well, face photo is already available in the database of UIDAI, thus Unique Identification Authority of India will tap into its database for the successful implementation of this security measure. When it comes to UIDAI, it has already added an additional privacy firewall with virtual IDs and limited KYC along with a biometric lock feature to give protection against outside intrusions/breach. But not many people are aware of the same or use this biometric lock feature that allows a user to lock his/her biometric information. Users can seal their biometric credentials by visiting the official website of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) or using an App can also be helpful here.