Aadhaar 'Biometric Lock' facility: All you need to know
What's the story
On July 18, in a official tweet, UIDAI announced the launch of a new online facility that allows users to "lock/unlock" their Aadhaar biometric data. The purpose of the move is to further secure users' biometric (fingerprints and iris scan) information, so as to avoid misuse of sensitive information. Here's all you need to know about the new facility by UIDAI.
Twitter Post
Official announcement by Aadhaar about the 'Biometric Lock' facility
To further secure your biometric data in Aadhaar, UIDAI offers you the ‘Biometric Lock’ service. Watch this tutorial for the steps.
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) July 18, 2018
Direct Link for the service: https://t.co/vmvSmyNyJO https://t.co/SNTHaQdEky
Why?
Here's why the facility is beneficial
The biometric data of a user comprises their fingerprints and iris scans. According to the UIDAI, the facility "protects privacy and confidentiality of Resident's Biometrics Data." The facility, by allowing the locking and temporary unlocking of one's biometrics data, will ensure that the "Aadhaar holder will not be able to use their biometrics for authentications, thus preventing potential misuse."
How to?
How can you go about locking/unlocking your Aadhaar biometrics
On the UIDAI portal, click on "Lock/Unlock Biometrics". You'll be redirected to the biometrics locking section. Once there, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number (or UID), and the security code provided on the screen. Subsequently, an OTP will be generated and sent via SMS to you on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and enable/disable the biometric lock as per your requirements.