Biometric Devices

Biometric devices means the devices that are used for capturing the biometric data inputs i.e Fingerprint / Iris /both the information from Aadhaar number holders. These biometric devices fall under two categories viz. Discrete Devices, Integrated Devices.

Discrete Devices: These type of devices refer to the class of biometric devices (Fingerprint/IRIS) that require connectivity to a host device such as PC/laptop/Micro ATM etc.

Integrated Devices: The integrated devices have the sensor integrated into the device package i.e. phone/tablet etc.

The form factors in which biometric devices may be deployed include:

  • Hand-Held / PoS Device such as MicroATMs, attendance devices
  • USB device connected to PC
  • Mobile phone with biometric sensor
  • Kiosks such as ATMs, MNREGA job request kiosks

Requesting Entities may choose appropriate authentication type (FP/Iris in case of biometric modality) based on their service delivery needs, nature of service, volume of transactions, desired accuracy levels and risk factors associated with their service delivery. Once the modality is chosen as Fingerprint/Iris/a combination of both/ multi-factor authentication involving OTP along with biometrics (FP/Iris/Both), the requesting entity can leverage the published list of certified device suppliers (as highlighted in the website link above) for the purpose of procurement of certified biometric devices (Fingerprint/Iris).

UIDAI Requires that only registered devices should be used by all Authentication Eco partners.

“Registered Devices” refer to devices that are registered with Aadhaar system for encryption key management. Aadhaar authentication server can individually identify and validate these devices and manage encryption keys on each registered device.

  • Device identification – every physical sensor device having a unique identifier allowing device authentication, traceability, analytics, and fraud management.
  • Eliminating use of stored biometrics – every biometric record is processed and encrypted within the secure zone eliminating transmission of unencrypted biometrics from sensor to host machine.

Biometric Device Certification

All biometric devices used for authentication shall be certified as required and as per the specifications issued, by the Authority from time to time for this purpose.