Your Aadhaar

No. As your bank information is not shared by the bank with anyone else, no one can have information about your bank account just by knowing your Aadhaar number. Also, UIDAI or any entity for that matter would not have any information about your bank account. For example, you give your mobile number at various places and to various authorities such as bank, passport authorities, income tax departments, etc. Would the telecom company have access to your bank information, income tax returns, etc.? Obviously no! Similarly, when you provide Aadhaar number to various service providers, your detail remains with the respective service providers and no single entity including the Government or UIDAI will have access to your personal information spread across various service providers.

As per the Supreme Court Judgement in the Aadhaar case (494 of 2012), residents are no longer required to mandatorily verify Bank account with Aadhaar. PAN Aadhaar linking is mandatory. A resident can voluntarily use his Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form by way of authentication or offline verification, or in such other form as may be specified by UIDAI. Mandatory Aadhaar authentication can be performed if the purpose is backed by law. However, for availing subsidies, benefits, services beneficiaries are required to undergo mandatory Aadhaar authentication pursuant to notification under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 (as amended). When you link your bank account, demat account, mutual fund account, PAN, etc., with Aadhaar, you secure yourself because no one can impersonate you to avail these services. Often the fraudsters carry out transactions and transfer money from someone else’s account to their accounts and go untraced as they generally submit their fake identities to the bank while opening their accounts. They operate bank accounts in fictitious names/companies and run shell companies’ accounts to carry out money laundering or stash black money. Therefore, when all the bank accounts are verified with Aadhaar then it would not be possible for these unscrupulous elements to go untraced and banking as a whole would become more safe and secure as the identity of each bank account holders is established uniquely beyond doubt through eKYC. As of now 96 crore bank accounts out of total 110 crore accounts have been linked to Aadhaar.

At the same time, you also contribute to serve the vital national interests by making the system rid of bogus, fakes and duplicates who could misuse IDs to evade taxes, siphon off public money, etc. Through use of Aadhaar and other process improvements, the Government has been able to weed out more than 6 crore fakes, duplicates and ghosts beneficiaries and save more than Rs. 90,000 crore of public money. Also, ghost and shell entities and companies used to be created for tax evasion, money laundering, terror financing, etc. Verification of identity through Aadhaar has helped curb these practices. Similarly, use of Aadhaar has checked unscrupulous elements that used to resort to impersonation in various examination and tests for college admission and jobs, etc., and thereby denying the genuine candidates of their rightful dues. There are number of other areas where verification of identity through Aadhaar has brought in fairness and transparency in the system.

Just like by merely knowing your bank account number, one cannot withdraw money from your account, similarly by merely knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can withdraw money from Aadhaar linked bank account. As in bank for withdrawing money, your signature, debit card, PIN, OTP, etc., is required, similarly for withdrawing money from your Aadhaar linked bank account through Aadhaar, your fingerprint, IRIS or OTP sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile will be required. No Aadhaar holder has suffered any financial or other loss or identity theft on account of any said misuse or attempted impersonation of Aadhaar. Notably, everyday more than 3 crore Authentications are carried out on the Aadhaar platform. In the last eight years, so far more than 3,012.5 crore authentications (till 28th May 2019) have been successfully done. UIDAI keeps upgrading and reviewing its security systems and safety mechanisms to make Aadhaar more secure and more useable. There has not been a single instance of biometric data breach from Aadhaar database. Therefore, people should freely use and give Aadhaar to prove their identity as and when required under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

Aadhaar authentication can be performed for availing benefits, services and benefits falling under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and if the purpose for which Aadhaar authentication is intended to be used is either backed by law made by parliament or is in the State interest. The verification of Aadhaar can be done offline through QR code available on the physical Aadhaar copy. If any agency does not follow these best practices, then that agency will be fully responsible for situations or losses arising out of possible misuse or impersonation. An Aadhaar holder is not responsible for the wrongful act of or by any agency.

Under the PML Rules Aadhaar is one of the officially valid documents accepted for opening bank account and the bank is required to do other due diligence for banking transaction or KYC. If at all some fraudster tries to open bank account using Aadhaar and bank doensn’t carry any due diligence then in such case an Aadhaar holder cannot be held responsible for bank’s fault. It is just like if some fraudster opens a bank account by presenting someone else’s Voter card/Ration card, it is the bank that would be held responsible not the voter or ration card holder. Till date no Aadhaar holder has suffered any financial loss on account of such misuse.

No. Just, by knowing your Aadhaar number, no one can harm you. It’s just like any other identity document such as passport, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, driving license, etc., that you have been using freely for decades with service providers. Aadhaar identity, instead, is instantly verifiable and hence more trusted. Also, as per the Aadhaar Act 2016, the Aadhaar card is required to be verified  either by in physical or electronic formby way of authentication or offline verification, or in such other form as may be specified. Verification is done through fingerprint, iris scan, OTP authentication, and QR code etc. Hence, it is near impossible to impersonate you if you use Aadhaar to prove your identity. People have been freely giving other identity documents such as passport, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, driving license, etc. But did they stop using these documents for the fear that somebody would use them to impersonate? No! They continue using them and if any fraud happens, the law enforcement agencies handle them as per law. The same logic will apply to Aadhaar. In fact, Aadhaar is more secure than many other identity documents, because unlike other IDs, Aadhaar is instantly verifiable through biometric and OTP authentication and QR code. Further, under the Aadhaar Act, 2016 stringent penalties, including fines and imprisonment are provided whenever a person misuses your Aadhaar number or tries to cause any harm to you.

You use PAN card, debit card, credit card, bank cheques wherever required. But do you put these details openly on internet and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Obviously no! You do not put such personal details unnecessarily in public domain so that there is no unwarranted invasion attempt on your privacy. The same logic needs to be applied in case of uses of Aadhaar.

You should use your Aadhaar without any hesitation for proving your identity and doing transactions, just like you use your bank account number, PAN card, debit card, credit card, etc., wherever required. What UIDAI has advised is that Aadhaar card should be freely used for proving identity and doing transactions, but should not be put on public platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. People give their debit card or credit card details or cheque (which has bank account number) when they purchase goods, or pay school fee, water, electricity, telephone and other utility bills, etc. Similarly, you can freely use your Aadhaar to establish your identity as and when required without any fear. While using Aadhaar, you should do the same level of due diligence as you do in case of other ID cards – not more, not less.

You can link your PAN with Aadhaar by following process:

a) Open the Income Tax e-filing portal - https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/

b) Register on it (if not already done). Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) will be your user id.

c) Log in by entering the User ID, password and date of birth.

d) A pop up window will appear, prompting you to link your PAN with Aadhaar. If not, go to ‘Profile Settings’ on Menu bar and click on ‘Link Aadhaar’.

e) Details such as name date of birth and gender will already be mentioned as per the PAN details.

f) Verify the PAN details on screen with the ones mentioned on your Aadhaar. Pls. note that if there is a mismatch, you need to get the same corrected in either of the documents.

g) If the details match, enter your Aadhaar number and click on the “link now” button.

h) A pop-up message will inform you that your Aadhaar has been successfully linked to your PAN

i) You may also visit https://www.utiitsl.com/ OR https://www.egov-nsdl.co.in/ to link your PAN and Aadhaar.

“Order Aadhaar PVC Card” is a new service launched by UIDAI which facilitates the Aadhaar holder to get their Aadhaar details printed on PVC card by paying nominal charges. Aadhaar PVC card is equivalent to paper based Aadhaar letter.

If your Aadhaar was generated from the first Enrolment then every attempt to re-enrol will be rejected. DO NOT re-apply. You can retrieve your Aadhaar:

(a) Online using https://resident.uidai.gov.in/lost-uideid (if you have the registered mobile no)

(b) By visiting at permanent enrolment centre

(c) By dialing 1947

Aadhaar updation has a fixed process which takes up to 90 days from the date of requested. The updation process cannot be altered. Please wait. You may check the status from https://ssup.uidai.gov.in/ssup/

Aadhaar updation takes up to 90 days. If your update request is more than 90 days old, then Please dial 1947 (toll free) or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further assistance.

Aadhaar generation may take up to 90 days. Aadhaar letter is delivered by ordinary post at the registered address of the resident in aadhaar database. Once Aadhaar is generated, you also get a sms on registered mobile (if mobile number provided during enrolment).

If residents do not get Aadhaar letter, they should contact UIDAI contact center with their Enrolment number or may check Aadhaar status online at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/CheckAadhaarStatus. Meanwhile resident can download e-Aadhaar. Alternatively, resident can order Aadhaar PVC Card online by paying nominal charges of Rs. 50/- . Aadhaar PVC card is delivered at the resident address registered with Aadhaar Database through the Speed Post service of India Post.

a) Resident can find his Aadhaar number using Aadhaar Service - Retrieve Lost UID/EID

b) Resident can call 1947 where our Contact Centre Agent will help him/her in getting his/her EID number. The resident can further use this EID to download his/her eAadhaar from Resident Portal - eAadhaar

d) Resident can also get his/her Aadhaar number from EID number on IVRS system by calling 1947

. mAadhaar App is available for both Android and iPhone users in India. In order to install the app follow the steps given below:

1. Visit the Google Play Store for Android and to App Store for iPhone.
2. Type mAadhaar in the search bar and download, or download mAadhaar Android version from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.uidai.mAadhaarPlus&hl=en_IN or iOS version from https://apps.apple.com/in/app/maadhaar/id1435469474.
3. To make sure you are downloading the right app, check to see if the developer’s name is listed as ‘Unique Identification Authority of India’
4. Once you open the app, it takes you through the terms and conditions and usage guidelines and language preference settings. Please go through them carefully before continuing further.

 The mAadhaar app for iPhone is compatible for iOS 10.0 and above.

Yes, Aadhaar profile in a phone will automatically get deactivated the moment the same profile is registered in another mobile. Aadhaar can be registered only in one device at a time.

mAadhaar is more than Aadhaar card in a wallet. Using the mAadhaar App, the resident can avail the following benefits:

 

Get Aadhaar by Downloading or by retrieving lost or forgotten Aadhaar

*****

 

1. View/Show Aadhaar in offline mode, particularly when residents are required to show their ID proof
2. Update Address in Aadhaar via document or without document proof
3. Keep/Manage Aadhaar of family members(up to 5 members) in one mobile
4. Share Paperless eKYC or QR code to service providing agencies
5. Secure Aadhaar by Locking Aadhaar or Biometrics
6. Generate or Retrieve VID which user can use in the place of Aadhaar to avail Aadhaar services (for those who have locked their Aadhaar or do not wish to share their Aadhaar).
7. Use Aadhaar SMS services in offline mode
8. Check Request Status Dashboard: After enrolling for Aadhaar, ordering reprint or updating Aadhaar data, resident can check the status of the service request in the App.
9. Help others who don’t own a smartphone in availing Aadhaar services with the help of common services.
10. Get Update history and Authentication records
11. Book Appointment to visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra
12. Aadhaar Sync feature allows resident to fetch the updated data in Aadhaar profile after successful completion of an update request.
13. Time-based One-Time Password can be used instead of SMS based OTP to avail Aadhaar Online Services available on the UIDAI Website
14. Locate Enrolment Centre (EC) helps user find nearest enrolment Centre
15. The More section in the App includes information about the mAadhaar App, Contact, Usage guidelines, Terms & Conditions of using the app and other necessary information.
16. Apart from helpful FAQs and link to Chatbot the More section also contains links to important documents from where resident can download the Aadhaar enrolment or Aadhaar update/correction forms.

 

*****Resident can raise request for Order Aadhaar PVC Card using Aadhaar number or Virtual ID or Enrolment ID by paying a nominal charge of Rs. 50/-. Aadhaar PVC Card is delivered to the resident at the address registered with Aadhaar Database by Speed Post service of India Post. For accessing mAadhaar app , internet connectivity is required but QR code scanning through mAadhaar works in online/offline mode.

mAadhaar app can be used anywhere anytime within India. mAadhaar is more than Aadhaar card in a wallet. On one hand the mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof by Airports and Railways on the other resident can use the features in the app to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who sought Aadhaar verification of their customers before providing Aadhaar services. 

Only someone with an Aadhaar linked to a registered mobile number can create Aadhaar profile in the mAadhaar App. They can register their profile in an App installed in any smartphone. However the OTP will be sent to only their registered mobile. Steps to register Aadhaar profile are given below:

1. Launch the app.
2. Tap on the Register Aadhaar tab on the top of main dashboard
3. Create a 4 digit Pin/Password(memorize this password, as it will be required to access profile)
4. Provide Valid Aadhaar & enter valid Captcha
5. Enter Valid OTP and submit
6. The profile should get registered
7. The registered tab would now display the registered Aadhaar Name
8. Tap on My Aadhaar tab on the bottom menu
9. Enter 4-digit Pin/Password
10. My Aadhaar Dashboard appears

The profile can be viewed by tapping on the profile summary on the top (profile image, name and Aadhaar number on the cyan tab) in the main dashboard. Steps to access the Aadhaar profile :

1. Launch the app.
2. Tap on the Aadhaar Profile tab on the top at the bottom of main dashboard
3. Enter 4 digit Pin/Password(created earlier while registering profile)
4. The front side of the Aadhaar appears. Slide to left to view the back side.
5. In order to view other added profiles, keep sliding to left

Note: To view the Aadhaar Profile page and access the services within tap on the My Aadhaar tab at the bottom of the Dashboard screen.

No, the facility to update demographic details such as Name, DoB, Mobile number aren’t not available in the mAadhaar app. Only address update via document facility is currently available. 

However the demographics updates features may be included in future releases.

mAadhaar app provides same services to both iOS and Android device users. The functionality and UX remains same irrespective of devices (iOS, Android).

No. Anyone in India with a smartphone can install and use mAadhaar App.

Without an Aadhaar registered mobile number resident will be able to avail only a few of the services such as  Locate Enrolment Center, Verify Aadhaar, Scanning QR code etc.

 

However registered mobile number is mandatory to avail all other Aadhaar services and Aadhaar Profile services listed under My Aadhaar.  Resident can register their profile in an App installed in any smartphone. However the OTP will be sent to only their registered mobile.

Keeping the security and privacy of the Aadhaar holders in mind the app does not provide save password feature in the app. Hence the user will be required to enter password every time they wish to access profile or My Aadhaar.

No. Anyone in India with a smartphone can install and use mAadhaar App.

Without an Aadhaar registered mobile number resident will be able to avail only a few of the services such as Order Aadhaar reprint, Locate Enrolment Center, Verify Aadhaar, Scanning QR code etc.

 

However registered mobile number is mandatory to avail all other Aadhaar services and Aadhaar Profile services listed under My Aadhaar.  Resident can register their profile in an App installed in any smartphone. However the OTP will be sent to only their registered mobile.

Yes, Registrars can add / remove / modify Introducers at a later stage. The area of operations of an Introducer can also be modified at a later stage. UIDAI encourages Registrars to review performance of Introducers on an on-going basis and make changes to the list as required.

As per the DDSVP Committee report, a flag is maintained in Aadhaar database to indicate if Date of Birth (DoB) is verified or declared.

Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016 provides for demographic and biometrics information required during Aadhaar enrolment process as per the details given below:

Demographic information required -
Name
Date of Birth
Gender
Address
Parent/Guardian details (required for minor)
Contact details phone and email (optional)
Biometric Information required -
Photo
10 finger prints
Iris
The UIDAI set up the Demographic data standards and verification procedure committee under the Chairmanship of Shri N. Vittal to define the data fields to be collected by the UIDAI and the verification process to be followed. The Data Standards Committee submitted its report on December 9, 2009. The full report is available at https://uidai.gov.in/images/UID_DDSVP_Committee_Report_v1.0.pdf. UIDAI also set up the Biometrics standards committee under the Chairmanship of Dr B.K Gairola (Director General, National Informatics Centre) to define the standards and the nature of biometric data that is required to be captured. The report of the Biometrics standards committee was submitted on January 7, 2010 and is available at https://uidai.gov.in/images/resource/Biometric_Standards_Committee_Notification.pdf

Residents who are eligible for Aadhaar can apply for Aadhaar as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act and the Regulations framed thereunder. Similarly, agencies providing benefits and services may choose to use Aadhaar in their systems and may require that their beneficiaries or customers provide their Aadhaar for these services.

One Aadhaar: Aadhaar is a unique number, and no resident can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics; thereby identifying fake and ghost identities which result in leakages today. Savings from eliminating duplicates and fakes through Aadhaar-based identification will further enable governments to expand benefits to other eligible residents.
Portability: Aadhaar is a universal number, and agencies and services can contact the central Unique Identification database from anywhere in the country to authenticate a beneficiary's identity by availing authentication services.
Inclusion of those without any existing identity documents: A problem in reaching benefits to poor and marginalized residents is that they often lack the identification documents they need to receive State benefits; the "Introducer" system which has been approved for data verification for the UIDAI will enable such residents to establish an identity.
Electronic benefit transfers: The UID-enabled-Bank-Account network will offer a secure and low cost platform to directly remit benefits to residents without the heavy costs associated today with benefit distribution; the leakages in the current system will also be stemmed as a result.
Aadhaar-based authentication to confirm entitlement delivered to the beneficiary: The UIDAI will offer online authentication services for agencies who wish to validate a resident's identity; this service will enable confirmation of the entitlement actually reaching the intended beneficiary. Improved services through increased transparency: Clear accountability and transparent monitoring would significantly improve access and quality of entitlements to beneficiaries and the agency alike.
Self-service puts residents in control: Using Aadhaar as an authentication mechanism, residents should be able to access up-to-date information about their entitlements, demand services and redress their grievances directly from their mobile phone, kiosks or other means. In the case of self-service on the resident's mobile, security is assured using two-factor authentication (i.e. by proving possession of the resident's registered Mobile Number and knowledge of the resident's Aadhaar PIN). These standards are compliant with the Reserve Bank of India's approved standards for Mobile Banking and Payments.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number that can be obtained by residents of India, based on their biometric and demographic data. The process for Aadhaar enrolment of resident of the country involves use of certain basic demographic information combined with ten finger prints, both irises and photograph to uniquely identify a resident through a process of de-duplication.

An Aadhaar number issued to an individual shall not be reassigned to any other individual. An Aadhaar number shall be a random number and bear no relation to the attributes or identity of the Aadhaar number holder.

No resident can have a duplicate number since it is linked to their individual biometrics; thereby identifying fake and ghost identities.

Protection of the individual, and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the resident at the core of its purpose and objectives.
Collecting limited information: Data collected by the UIDAI is purely to issue Aadhaar, and confirm the identity of Aadhaar holders. The UIDAI is collecting basic data fields in order to be able to establish identity this includes Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian's name essential for children but not for others, mobile number and email id is optional as well . The UIDAI is collecting biometric information to establish uniqueness therefore collecting photo, 10 finger prints and iris.
No profiling and tracking information collected: The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system, since the data collected is limited to that required for identification and identity confirmation. The UIDAI had in fact, dropped the place of birth data field part of the initial list of information it planned to collect based on feedback from CSOs that it could lead to profiling. The UIDAI also does not collect any transaction records of the individual. The records of an individual confirming their identity through Aadhaar will only reflect that such a confirmation happened. This limited information will be retained for a short period time in the interest of the resident, to resolve any disputes.
Release of information - yes or no response: The UIDAI is barred from revealing personal information in Aadhaar database the only response permitted is yes or no to requests to verify an identity The only exceptions are the order of a High court , or the order of a secretary, in case of national security . This is a reasonable exception and is clear and precise. This approach is also in line with security norms followed in US and Europe on access to data in case of a security threat.
Data protection and privacy: The UIDAI has the obligation to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data collected . The data will be collected on software provided by the UIDAI and encrypted to prevent leaks in transit. Trained and certified enrollers will collect the information, who will not have access to the data being collected. The UIDAI has a comprehensive security policy to ensure the safety and integrity of its data. It will publish more details on this, including the Information Security Plan and Policies for the CIDR and mechanisms for auditing the compliance of the UIDAI and its contracting agencies. In addition, there will be strict security and storage protocols in place. Penalties for any security violation will be severe, and include penalties for disclosing identity information . There are penal consequences for unauthorised access to CIDR including hacking , and penalties for tampering with data in the CIDR under the Aadhaar Act, 2016 .
Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases: The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person's identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of Aadhaar holder. The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. It will not be available even for many members of the UID staff and will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

Aadhaar is a unique 12 digit random number assigned to a resident which is apart from offline or physical  verification, verifiable online anywhere anytime using the Aadhaar authentication platform. Aadhaar authentication responds only with “yes/no” answer. The Aadhaar Scheme is primarily aimed at improving the delivery of social security benefits and subsidies, plugging leakages and wastes, eliminating fakes and duplicates and enhancing transparency and accountability.

Aadhaar means foundation, therefore it is the base on which any delivery system can be built. Aadhaar can be used in any system which needs to establish the identity of a resident and/or provide secure access for the resident to services/benefits offered by the system. Aadhaar can be used in the delivery of the following programs:

• Food & Nutrition – Public Distribution System, Food Security, Mid Day Meals, Integrated Child Development Scheme.
• Employment – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, Indira Awaaz Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Program
• Education – Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyaan, Right to Education (Children between 6 to 14 years under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, likewise, shall not require mandatory Aadhaar enrolment)
• Inclusion & Social Security – Janani Suraksha Yojana, Development of Primitive Tribe Groups, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
• Healthcare – Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Janashri Bima Yojana, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana
• Other miscellaneous purposes including Property Transactions, VoterID, PAN Card etc.

Following are the criminal offences and penalties provided in the Aadhaar Act, 2016 (as amended):

1. Impersonation by providing false demographic or biometric information, at the time of enrolment, is an offence – imprisonment upto 3 years or a fine of Rs. 10,000 or with both.

2. Appropriating the identity of an Aadhaar number holder by changing or attempting to change the demographic and biometric information of an Aadhaar number holder is an offence - imprisonment upto 3 years and a fine of Rs. 10,000.

3. Pretending to be an agency authorized to collect Identity information of a resident is an offence – imprisonment upto 3 years or with a fine of Rs. 10,000 for a person, and Rs. 1 lakh for a company, or with both.

4. Intentionally transmitting/ disclosing information collected during enrolment/ authentication to an unauthorized person or in contravention of any agreement or arrangement under this Act is an offence – imprisonment upto 3 years or with a fine of Rs. 10,000 for a person, and Rs. 1lakh for a company, or with both.

5. Unauthorized access to the central identities data repository (CIDR) and hacking is an offence – imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine of Rs. 10 Lakhs.

6. Tampering with data in the central identities data repository is an offence – imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine upto Rs. 10,000.

7. Unauthorised use of identity information of an individual by an requesting entity or Offline Verification Seeking Entity – imprisonment upto 3 years or fine upto Rs.10,0 in case of a individual or Rs.1 Lakh in case of a company or with both.

The UIDAI has the obligation to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data collected. The data will be collected on software provided by the UIDAI and encrypted to prevent leaks in transit. The UIDAI has a comprehensive security policy to ensure the safety and integrity of its data. There are security and storage protocols in place. UIDAI has published guidelines in this regard which is available on its website. Penalties for any security violation will be severe, and include penalties for disclosing identity information. There are civil and criminal penal consequences for unauthorised access to CIDR – including hacking, and penalties for tampering with data in the CIDR.

Protection of the individual and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the resident at the core of its purpose and objectives.

• Collecting limited information
  The UIDAI is collecting only basic data fields - Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian’s (name essential for children but not for others) photo, 10 finger prints and iris scan.
• No profiling and tracking information collected
  The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system.
• Release of information – yes or no response
  The UIDAI will not reveal personal information in the Aadhaar database – the only response will be a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to requests to verify an identity
• Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases
  The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person’s identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of the aadhaar number holder
  The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. The data will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

As is the case with the other services availed from the government, there is no provision for purging the data of the resident from the database once he has obtained his Aadhaar. The data is also required as it is used for de-duplication of every new entrant in the database against all the existing records to establish the uniqueness of the resident. Only after this process is completed that the Aadhaar is assigned.

The resident has the option in the first instance not to enrol for Aadhaar at all. Aadhaar is a service delivery tool, and not designed for any other purpose. Aadhaar being unique to every resident is non-transferable. If the resident does not wish to use the Aadhaar, it will remain dormant, as the use is based on the physical presence and biometric authentication of the person. However, children, within 6 months of attaining majority, may make an application for cancellation of their Aadhaar as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 (as amended) and regulations framed there under.

The UIDAI will set up a Contact Centre to manage all queries and grievances and serve as a single point of contact for the organization. The details of the Contact Centre will be published on the website as and when enrolment begins. The users of this system are expected to be residents, registrars and enrolment agencies. Any resident seeking enrolment is given a printed acknowledgement form with an Enrolment Number, that enables the resident to make queries about her/his enrolment status through any communication channel of the contact centre. Each enrolment agency will be given a unique code that will also enable faster and pointed access to the Contact Centre that includes a technical helpdesk.

• Residents who have aadhaar numbers will be entitled to access their own information stored in the UID database.
• CIDR operations will be follow strict access protocols to limit access to the database.
• The database itself will be secured against hacking and other forms of cyberattacks.

Protection of the individual, and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the resident at the core of its purpose and objectives.

• Collecting limited information
  Data collected by the UIDAI is purely to issue Aadhaar numbers, and confirm the identity of Aadhaar number holders. The UIDAI is collecting basic data fields in order to be able to establish identity– this includes Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, Parent/ Guardian’s name essential for children but not for others, mobile number and email id is optional as well . The UIDAI is collecting biometric information to establish uniqueness – therefore collecting photo, 10 finger prints and iris.
• No profiling and tracking information collected
  The UIDAI policy bars it from collecting sensitive personal information such as religion, caste, community, class, ethnicity, income and health. The profiling of individuals is therefore not possible through the UID system, since the data collected is limited to that required for identification and identity confirmation. The UIDAI had in fact, dropped the ‘place of birth’ data field – part of the initial list of information it planned to collect – based on feedback from CSOs that it could lead to profiling. The UIDAI also does not collect any transaction records of the individual. The records of an individual confirming their identity through Aadhaar will only reflect that such a confirmation happened. This limited information will be retained for a short period time in the interest of the resident, to resolve any disputes.
• Release of information – yes or no response
  The UIDAI is barred from revealing personal information in the Aadhaar database – the only response permitted are a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to requests to verify an identity. The only exceptions are the order of a court, or the order of a joint secretary, in case of national security. This is a reasonable exception and is clear and precise. This approach is also in line with security norms followed in US and Europe on access to data in case of a security threat.
• Data protection and privacy
  The UIDAI has the obligation to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data collected. The data will be collected on software provided by the UIDAI and encrypted to prevent leaks in transit. Trained and certified enrollers will collect the information, which will not have access to the data being collected.
  The UIDAI has a comprehensive security policy to ensure the safety and integrity of its data. It will publish more details on this, including the Information Security Plan and Policies for the CIDR and mechanisms for auditing the compliance of the UIDAI and its contracting agencies. In addition, there will be strict security and storage protocols in place. Penalties for any security violation will be severe, and include penalties for disclosing identity information. There will also be penal consequences for unauthorised access to CIDR – including hacking, and penalties for tampering with data in the CIDR.
• Convergence and linking of UIDAI information to other databases
  The UID database is not linked to any other databases, or to information held in other databases. Its only purpose will be to verify a person’s identity at the point of receiving a service, and that too with the consent of the aadhaar number holder. The UID database will be guarded both physically and electronically by a few select individuals with high clearance. It will not be available even for many members of the UID staff and will be secured with the best encryption, and in a highly secure data vault. All access details will be properly logged.

YES. An NRI (whether minor or adult) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Kendra.

If your passport has the name of your spouse, then it can be used as Proof of Address for them.

1. If spouse is NRI - valid Indian passport of the applicant is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI).
2. If spouse is an Indian resident (not NRI) – any valid Proof of Relationship document (refer: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf) including your Passport (having name of your spouse) can be used for enrolment under Head of Family (HoF).

Pls refer to the below:

Child is below 5 years of age:

1. One of the parents/ guardian has to authenticate on behalf of the child and also give consent for enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form.
2. If the child is an NRI - valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI)
3. If the child is an Indian resident (not NRI) - any valid Proof of Relationship document (refer: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf) such as Birth Certificate, along with Aadhaar of the parent/ guardian, can be used for enrolment.

Child is between 5 to 18 years of age:

1. One of the parents/ guardian has to give consent for enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form.
2. If the minor is an NRI – valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI)
3. If the minor is an Indian resident (not NRI) -

• No document in the name of the minor: any valid Proof of Relationship document (refer: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf) such as Birth certificate can be used for enrolment under Head of Family.
• Minor has a document: use a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) document (like School ID card) in the child’s name for enrolment (refer: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf).

Currently, we do not support international/ non-Indian mobile numbers.