UIDAI searches for more ways to curb Aadhaar, UID fraud
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
The Unique Identity Authority of India ( UIDAI ) is set to implement stringent measures to combat rising instances of fraud through Aadhaar and fake UID numbers, CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar told ET.Detailing the measures, Kumar said UIDAI, the central agency tasked with issuing Aadhaar, plans to impose curbs on frequent changes to birth dates and biometrics, verifying information directly with other official databases, and tapping frontier technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to weed out use of wrong photographs, and incorrect and mixed biometrics.The agency is also making the Aadhar application form completely online and insist that all states switch to documents that are verifiable online, among other measures."If you want to play in a cricket team, they try to reduce their age by two years. If they want to get a job, they want to increase their age by two years. It's a lot of fraud," said Kumar, who assumed charge this January. "People try to game it through multiple birth certificates. We are strongly tightening all those things. Because the integrity of Aadhaar has to be maintained."He said that if someone has to alter the date of birth, it has to be first changed in the original birth certificate, and that the authority will not accept a second birth certificate. "We'll match it from the source," said Kumar, adding UIDAI has managed to get direct access to the original databases of 35 states so far in the last six months and has integrated various documents at the source level such as PAN, CBSE marksheets and MGNREGA records, and is in the process of integrating with others."The idea is that when a resident submits any of the documents for Aadhaar enrolment or updating, the UIDAI will verify the veracity of the document directly from the source to ensure it's not fake," said Kumar. "We are using a lot of technology to make the system more foolproof and increasing the facility," he said, adding the identity platform's technical infrastructure is being continuously upgraded.For instance, UIDAI has developed an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithm to check the genuineness of fingerprints to prevent biometric fraud and ensure that they are of a "live finger". Similarly, AI-based software in cameras is used for age estimation and to confirm that some older person is not applying for a Aadhaar meant for a child which doesn't require biometrics. AI is also used to match a person's photo with photos in the Bureau of Immigration database to check fraud. The UIDAI is also checking the possibility of placing restrictions on the number of times an individual can update fingerprints. Updating fingerprints may make sense for elderly people whose fingerprints may change, but not for young people, and there is no reason why they should be updated again and again, said Kumar.He said there have also been instances where people have mixed their hand and feet biometrics with the aim of committing fraud. Some have even mixed their biometrics with another person to generate a unique combination. The AI/ML will be able to check for such abnormalities, Kumar emphasised. The agency also aims to make applying for Aadhaar an online process.While there is also demand for Aadhaar cards from non-citizens residing in India, the UIDAI is strict about ensuring they apply after the required window of staying in India for 180 days, and that they apply in the correct category. "We have rejected 1,456 applications in the last six months on this basis - that you are a foreigner (but) you have applied in the Indian category," said Kumar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
14 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
SC refuses to stay publication of draft voters list in Bihar on Aug 1
The ECI said the SIR Survey was being done after concerns raised by political parties across the spectrum. "For the first time that all the political parties have been so involved at this scale in intensive revision exercises, with all political parties appointing more than 1.5 lakh BLAs to work in tandem with BLOs, in reaching out to each eligible elector," added the affidavit of the ECI. The ECI highlited that most of the figures quoted by the petitioners were out dated and not contemporary. Quite apart from the fact that full reports have not been annexed, the petitioners have deliberately suppressed the fact that these reports do not present contemporary facts and figures, and thus cannot be relied upon. "Some of the Petitioners are MPs and MLAs from recognized political parties in the State of Bihar and all these political parties are assisting in the SIR exercise by providing Booth Level Agents (BLAs). While, some of the Petitioners are participating in the SIR and, at the same time, objecting here to the transparent exercise conducted by the ECI. These facts were within the knowledge of Petitioners but not disclosed before this court, and have been deliberately suppressed," the ECI said. The Commission further submitted that all the political parties had appreciated the necessity and correctness of the exercise undertaken by the ECI and have been co-operating and participating towards the timely completion of the said exercise. The ECI justified the SIR exercise and said Aadhaar wasn't a "proof of citizenship". The court had earlier questioned the ECI action, as to why it started the SIR exercise of electoral rolls in Bihar so late, although, it made clear that there is nothing wrong in SIR exercise but it should have been done months before the ensuing election. The top court was hearing the pleas filed by the NGO Association For Democratic Reforms, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Yogendra Yadav, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Trinamool Congress Party, Mahua Moitra, Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, Congress Party leader K C Venugopal and Mujahid Alam. The petitioners sought a direction from the top court to set aside the ECI's SIR order of June, 24, 2025. "Issue a writ, order or direction setting aside Order and Communication dated 24.06.2025 and accompanying guidelines issued by ECI to conduct SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar as being in violation of Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, 326 of the Constitution of India and provisions of Representation of People (RP) Act, 1950 and Registration of Electors Rules, 1960," said the NGO ADR, in its plea filed in the top court. "The SIR order if not set aside, can arbitrarily and without due process disenfranchise lakhs of voters from electing their representatives, thereby disrupting free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of basic structure of the Constitution," said, ADR's plea, filed in the top court.
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Aadhaar, voter id valid for SIR in Bihar: SC tells poll panel; says no interim stay on draft electoral roll publication
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar saying it would once for all decide the pleas against the Election Commission of India's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The time schedule to conduct the final hearing of the matter will be fixed on July 29, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi said. According to a PTI report, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who was appearing for an NGO, said the electoral rolls should not be finalised in the interim and there should be an interim stay on the publication of the draft rolls. The bench observed the last order of the top court noted the petitioners not pressing for an interim relief and, therefore, it couldn't be done now and matter would be interpreted once for all. The top court also asked the poll panel to continue accepting Aadhaar and Voter IDs for the SIR exercise in Bihar as both have 'some sanctity'. 'As far as ration cards are concerned we can say they can be forged easily but Aadhaar and voter cards have some sanctity and have presumption of genuineness. You continue accepting these documents,' the bench said. The top court also said that the EC had accepted one of its previous order and said in its counter affidavit that Aadhaar, voter cards, and ration cards were required to be accepted. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Monday as Opposition MPs continued to protest over the SIR exercise in Bihar. During the Zero Hour, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said he has received 26 notices under Rule 267 demanding discussion on various issues, including SIR, and alleged discrimination against Bengali migrant workers in other states. He declined all the adjournment notices, and called Sudha Murty (nominated member) to make her Zero Hour mention. However, Opposition members, including those from the TMC and the Congress, were on their feet protesting against the Chair's decision. They were raising slogans like 'Vote Ki Chori Band Karo' (stop vote theft), and the Chair adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. As soon as the House re-assembled for the Question Hour at 12 noon, various Opposition MPs were on their feet and Sushmita Dev (TMC) trooped into the Well, and sought to raise various issues. As the din continued, the proceedings were adjourned again till 2 pm. When the Upper House met at 2 pm, the Chair tried to continue the debate on The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2025. However, Opposition MPs continued to raise slogans demanding a debate on the SIR issue, and that the exercise be stopped. Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House. Amid the din, the Chair adjourned the House for the day.
News18
21 minutes ago
- News18
How To Open A Zerodha Demat Account Online: Step-by-Step Guide
With just your PAN, Aadhaar, and a few documents, you can start trading in minutes. Zerodha is one of the most popular investment platforms in India. It lets you invest in stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, and more, all from the comfort of your home. Opening a Demat and trading account on Zerodha is completely online and takes only a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started without any hassle. Step 1: Go to the Zerodha Signup Page Visit and click on the 'Sign up' button. You will need to enter your mobile number and verify it using an OTP. After that, you will be asked for your email ID and other basic information. You will also create a password for the Kite platform, Zerodha's trading app. Always use your number and email linked to your Aadhaar for smooth KYC processing. Step 2: Provide PAN and Personal Details Once logged in, you will be asked to enter your PAN card number, date of birth, and bank account details. This step helps Zerodha verify your identity and link your bank account for future transactions. Make sure your name matches exactly across all your documents (PAN, Aadhaar, bank) to avoid delays. Zerodha uses Aadhaar-based e-KYC, which means you won't need to physically send any documents. You will be redirected to a portal called Digio to complete Aadhaar verification using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone number. If your mobile number isn't linked with Aadhaar, you will need to complete verification offline. Next, you will be asked to upload a few clear photos or scanned copies of the following: – PAN card – Aadhaar card – Passport-size photo – Cancelled cheque or bank proof If you want to trade in Futures & Options (F&O), you will also need to upload income proof such as salary slips, ITR, or a recent bank statement. Zerodha charges Rs 200 to open an equity account, and an extra Rs 100 if you also want to trade in commodities. You can pay the fees using UPI, net banking, or a debit/credit card. Once payment is made and documents are submitted, your application will be reviewed and activated within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive your login details by email once your account is ready. Once your Zerodha account is activated, you can log in to Kite and start investing in stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and more. The entire account opening process is paperless, beginner-friendly, and can be done from your phone or laptop. Just keep your documents ready, follow the steps, and you will be ready to invest in no time with one of India's most trusted brokers. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
