After Virtual ID, Aadhaar To Use Face Authentication Tool To Add Another Security Layer

After the introduction of virtual ID to protect the aadhaar data, UIDAI has now decided to introduce a face authentication option. The new system will be introduced by July this year and will be used along with the existing authentication methods such as fingerprints, iris and one-time-password (OTP), says the circular issued by UIDAI.

#AadhaarFaceAuth https://t.co/CTCc37DAD1

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) January 15, 2018

“At the time of aadhaar enrolment, the photo of the face of the resident is also captured. To provide inclusive authentication, face photo can also be leveraged to verify the identity of an Aadhaar number holder,” UIDAI said in a statement released on Monday. the government body informed that they would work with biometric device providers to integrate face modality into the certified registered devices.

For details on #AadhaarFaceAuth , see our circular – https://t.co/k0nG8AWirE https://t.co/vIngxQQRK2

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) January 15, 2018

There are situations when elderly people’s and manual labourers’ fingerprint becomes difficult to read. This problem can be solved with the photo captured at the time of enrollment of aadhaar. “Since face photo is already available in UIDAI database, there is no need to capture any new reference data,” says the UIDAI circular.

According to the circular, the key advantages of aadhaar face authentication are:
1. Face authentication will provide additional choice to create inclusive authentication for residents having difficulty with their fingerprint/iris authentication.
2. Since the photo is already available in UIDAI database, there is no need to capture any new reference data.
3. The camera is now pervasively available on laptops and mobiles, making the face capture easily feasible without needing any additional hardware.
4. Face authentication with liveness detection can be used as an additional factor to increase security.

UIDAI’s latest statement came days after it has announced virtual ID, a new security mechanism to protect aadhaar, following allegations of security breach. The Tribune had reported earlier that anyone could have access to Aadhaar details in exchange for Rs 500. UIDAI’s move to file a case against the journalist who exposed the news and three others named in the report has triggered widespread criticism.