Latest news with #AadhaarAct
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Mumbai, Delhi Railway Stations To Get AI Facial Recognition Technology: How Will It Boost Safety?
Last Updated: Mumbai, Delhi Railway Stations To Get AI Facial Recognition Technology: Along with security, FRT can be used to speed up ticket checking and boarding process and surveillance Mumbai, Delhi Railway Stations To Get AI Facial Recognition Technology: Seven major railway stations, including Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and New Delhi, are set to get Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition systems to enhance security. Along with security, the technology can be used to speed up ticket checking and boarding process, saving passengers long queues. It will be implemented under the plan to make railway stations smart stations, in which the focus is being on increasing security, surveillance, and passenger facilities. The technology is already in use at other spots such as airports. What is facial recognition technology? Facial recognition is a biometric technology that identifies a person by analysing his/her facial features. This technology scans the eyes, nose, mouth and facial structure in the face in digital images or video frames. It matches it with the information present in the database. It is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms Facial recognition technology helps identify suspicious persons, especially those who are registered in the criminal database. This technology is helpful in monitoring suspicious activities and catching criminals, thereby increasing security at stations. Does the law allow FRT to be linked to the Aadhaar database? Under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, Aadhaar data can be used only for specific purposes (such as authentication for government schemes). Using Aadhaar data for FRT requires special permission and legal process. UIDAI had said that Aadhaar data can be used for FRT only when it is part of the authentication process, and not for general surveillance. How does facial recognition help? This technology can instantly identify criminals, wanted persons, or suspects, thereby increasing security at stations. Time is saved in ticket checking and identity verification, which improves the passenger experience. This technology works more accurately and faster than manual monitoring. Crime can be prevented by identifying suspicious activities at an early stage. This technology can also help in understanding passenger flow and improving station management. Are there any concerns? Facial recognition technology stores and uses passengers' personal information, raising concerns of privacy violations. Then this technology is not always 100% accurate. Poor lighting, facial makeup, or technical errors can lead to misidentification. If the facial information stored in the database is hacked or misused, it can be a serious problem. The cost of implementing and maintaining this technology is high, which can ultimately burden taxpayers. Where is this technology implemented in India? In India, this technology is in use at airports. Under the Digi Yatra initiative at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other airports, facial recognition technology is being used to speed up passenger identification and boarding process. It allows passengers to enter and board airports without paper tickets or ID checks. This technology was launched at some Indian airports in July 2019. The Delhi Police has started using facial recognition technology to identify missing children and criminals. During the trial in 2019, about 3,000 missing children were identified with the help of this technology. The NCRB has worked towards implementing Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) for identification and monitoring of criminals. This technology helps in crime control by matching it with CCTV footage and database. Facial recognition technology is also being used in Delhi and Chennai for surveillance at traffic signals, public places and other areas. This technology helps the police to track suspicious persons faster. Facial recognition technology is being used in some schools and colleges to track attendance and identify absent students. This technology is used in some banks for customer verification and security. Is China using this technology? Facial recognition technology is widely used in China with CCTV cameras at intersections and roads. As of 2018, China had more than 170 million CCTV cameras. There were plans to increase it to 400 million by 2020. These cameras are used to identify traffic violators, monitor suspicious activities, and track social behavior. Under China's 'Sharp Eyes" project, a national surveillance network has been created by integrating cameras at intersections, roads, shopping malls, and other public places. This network tracks the activities of citizens using facial recognition and AI. Apart from intersections, FRT in China is also used in banks, airports, hotels and even public toilets. According to the 2024 report of Compartech, FRT is being used at workplaces in 40% of the countries of the world, while this technology is applicable in some buses in 24% of the countries and in some trains and metros in about 40% of the countries. In the United States, China, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, South Korea and European countries like United Kingdom, Germany, and France, FRT is being used in airports, police surveillance, public transport, and private sectors. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : AI Facial Recognition china facial recognition surveillance facial recognition Facial Recognition privacy concerns news18 specials view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 17:08 IST News explainers Mumbai, Delhi Railway Stations To Get AI Facial Recognition Technology: How Will It Boost Safety? 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.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Madras High Court Stays Collection Of Aadhaar Data During DMK's Membership Drive
Chennai: In a significant interim order, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday restrained the ruling party DMK from collecting Aadhaar numbers and OTPs from the public as a part of its ongoing membership drive. However, the court allowed the party to continue with the drive itself, pending further hearings. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) represented by an AIADMK advocate, who alleged that the DMK's act ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections violates privacy laws and the Aadhaar Act. The petitioner argued that the DMK was collecting Aadhaar numbers, ration card details, voter IDs, bank passbooks and mobile numbers, and using the OTP verification process to build a database for political propaganda. He claimed that women in particular were being misled or coerced with threats that failure to share these documents could affect their eligibility for government schemes, including the state's monthly stipend for women. The plea alleged that such collection of personal information, especially Aadhaar details, for non-statutory purposes was unlawful as per the Aadhaar Act, which permits use of Aadhaar only for authorised government-related services and benefits. The DMK, the petitioner noted, is not a recognised entity authorised to seek Aadhaar authentication. Seeking to declare the DMK's data collection unconstitutional and a violation of the fundamental right to privacy, the petitioner also urged the court to: Order the destruction of any Aadhaar-linked data already collected and Direct the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to launch an investigation DMK spokesperson, Dr Syed Hafeezullah denied the charges, saying, "Membership is entirely voluntary. We do not collect Aadhaar data. The OTP system is a simple tool to verify mobile numbers, and there is no privacy violation involved." The DMK's legal team is expected to formally respond to the court's interim order this evening. Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench has also tagged the Election Commission and UIDAI in the case and will continue hearing the matter. The ruling DMK campaign aims to enrol at least 30% of Tamil Nadu's voters as members as it gears up for the 2026 assembly elections. With AIADMK and BJP reviving ties and actor Vijay's TVK making its electoral debut, the election is likely to be a four cornered contest with Vijay's star power.
Scroll.in
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Flagging security concerns about Aadhaar, Parliamentary panel asks UIDAI to review database
Flagging concerns about the safety of the biometric data of Aadhaar holders, the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament on Thursday asked the Unique Identification Authority of India to carry out a scientific review of its central database, reported Deccan Herald. The Unique Identification Authority of India is a statutory body set up under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, to issue 12-digit unique identity numbers to residents of India. The multi-party panel, headed by Congress MP KC Venugopal, issued the directions to UIDAI while examining the functioning of the statutory body based on a 2021 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. During the meeting, the panel also raised concerns about the high rate of biometric authentication failures in the Aadhaar system, which has led to beneficiaries being excluded from welfare schemes. After several MPs on the panel flagged recent reports of Aadhaar data leaks, UIDAI claimed that the Central Identities Data Repository, which stores all biometric and demographic information, is secure, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying. The statutory body added that data breaches reported so far have originated from enrollment centres. It reportedly said that it had strengthened the monitoring mechanism at the centres. In January, personal data such as Aadhaar details and mobile phone numbers of nearly 75 crore Indians was allegedly put up for sale online, said digital threat analysis company CloudSek in a report. Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar had in December said that there have been 165 breaches of data of Indian citizens between January 2018 and October 2023. Chandrasekhar claimed that no breach of Aadhaar data has occurred from the Central Identities Data Repository. However, in January 2018, The Tribune claimed to have 'purchased' a 'service being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp' for 'unrestricted access' to details of the more than one billion Aadhaar holders.
United News of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Mamata to lead protest against alleged eviction of Bengalis in BJP-ruled states
Kolkata, July 16 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a major street protest in the city here today against the alleged eviction of Bengali speaking people in BJP-ruled states. The nearly 2-km protest march will also be led by her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, TMC's national general secretary. The march will start from College Square in north to Dorina Crossing at Esplanade, the party said. "The BJP's assault on Bengali identity is no longer subtle, it's organised, relentless, and deeply communal. Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee we will take to the streets in protest against these coordinated attacks on our people," the party release said. The TMC recently heightened its anti-BJP campaign aiming to sustain protests in view of the 2026 assembly polls and a series of incidents faced by Bengali migrants in other states, particularly in BJP-ruled regions. After Assam, Odisha, Delhi, and Haryana, the eviction and alleged deportation was also reported from Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra recently. The TMC alleged that nine Bengali speaking people from Nadia district of Bengal were first jailed and then deported from Chhattisgarh recently. "So the BJP would now have us believe that Aadhaar cards are being issued by state governments, not by the UIDAI, a statutory authority under the jurisdiction of MeitY headed by Ashwini Vaishnaw. Aadhaar is governed by the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and UIDAI is under the @narendramodi Govt, not any state. If fake Aadhaar cards are flooding the system, it is a colossal failure of the Centre," the TMC said on its X handle. "Modi ji called Aadhaar a 'symbol of empowerment'. Well then, who's responsible for turning this 'symbol' into a national security threat?" questioned a protest message from the ruling TMC. UNI PC PRS
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Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Business Standard
Aadhaar enrolment gets tougher as UIDAI rolls out new norms to curb fraud
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented stricter rules for Aadhaar enrolment and updates, introducing real-time document verification and cross-database checks. The changes are aimed at enhancing the credibility of the Aadhaar system, which is used by over 1.4 billion residents across India. Why the changes? The Aadhaar system is a critical part of India's digital identity infrastructure. In the past 15 years, over 1.4 billion Aadhaar numbers have been created. This includes people who have passed away. In March 2025 alone, UIDAI generated two million new Aadhaar numbers and processed updates for 19.1 million existing records. Nearly all adults in the country now have Aadhaar, and even newborns are getting it shortly after birth. The card is also used for nearly all activities, from bank accounts and mobile SIMs to welfare schemes and taxation. So, the government is now tightening the rules specifically for new adult registrations, amid growing concerns over fake or duplicate enrolments and misuse of Aadhaar for unlawful purposes. Key changes in the enrolment process To enhance security and reliability, the UIDAI is now turning to digital records such as passports, ration cards, birth and school certificates for real-time verification during Aadhaar enrolment and updates. This move aims to tighten checks and make the system more robust. UIDAI has also introduced a new verification tool that cross-references applicant details with various online databases - including driving licences, PAN cards, MGNREGS records, and even electricity bills. This added layer of scrutiny aligns with centralised know your customer (KYC) norms and is expected to create a more consistent, fraud-proof identity system. While the Aadhaar Act clearly states that the Aadhaar number is not proof of citizenship or domicile, the new measures are geared towards ensuring that only Indian citizens are issued Aadhaar in the future. What this means for you Those applying for Aadhaar for the first time must provide either a valid PAN card or an Indian passport as proof of identity. Other things to keep in mind include:
