edited by: Mohammad Haris
Last Update: December 30, 2022, 16:23 IST
Aadhaar is the digital ID of residents, and serves as a single source of identity verification online and offline for residents across the country.
The UIDAI says that entities seeking Aadhaar should be mandated to obtain consent for which it is being taken.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Friday advised people to confidently use Aadhaar as per their choice to avail benefits and services, but maintain the same level of caution while sharing any other identity documents including bank account, PAN or passport. Be careful.
“While sharing Aadhaar with any trusted entity, the same level of care may be taken as when sharing mobile number, bank account number or any other identity document like passport, voter ID card, PAN, ration card, etc. We do.” UIDAI said in a statement on Friday.
It states that Aadhaar is the digital ID of residents, and works as a single source of identity verification online and offline for residents across the country. Residents can use their Aadhaar number to verify and validate their identity certificates electronically or through offline verification.
“Use Aadhaar with confidence as per your choice to avail benefits and services, but with the same level of hygiene as any other identity documents including bank account, PAN or passport,” UIDAI said.
UIDAI provides the facility to generate Virtual Identifier (VID) wherever a resident does not want to share his Aadhaar number. One can easily generate VID by visiting the official website or through myaadhaar portal and use it for authentication in place of Aadhaar number. This VID can be changed after the end of the calendar day.
UIDAI also provides the facility of biometric locking along with Aadhaar locking. If a resident is not likely to use Aadhaar for a period of time, he may lock Aadhaar or biometrics for such period of time. It can be unlocked easily and quickly when required.
UIDAI provides a technologically advanced ecosystem to ensure a secure, smooth and quick authentication experience for the Aadhaar number holder. Entities collecting Aadhaar number from residents use and store it in a secure and legally permissible manner in accordance with various provisions of the Aadhaar Act and its regulations.
“Entities seeking Aadhaar are bound to obtain consent specifying the purpose for which it is being taken. UIDAI urges residents to kindly insist for the same,” the Aadhaar issuing authority said.
Resident can check Aadhaar authentication history for last six months on UIDAI website or m-Aadhaar app. Also, UIDAI notifies about every authentication over email. Therefore, linking the email ID with Aadhaar will ensure that the resident receives a notification every time his Aadhaar number is authenticated.
Several services can be availed with OTP-based Aadhaar authentication, and keeping the mobile number updated with Aadhaar is a beneficial step.
UIDAI has also requested the residents not to leave the Aadhaar letter/PVC card or its copy unattended. Residents are advised not to share Aadhaar openly publicly on social media and other public forums. Aadhaar holders should not disclose Aadhaar OTP to any unauthorized entity and should avoid sharing m-Aahar PIN with anyone.
“In case of suspicion of any unauthorized use of Aadhaar or any other Aadhaar related query, Aadhaar holders may contact UIDAI on toll-free helpline 1947 which is available 24×7 and/or email at help@uidai.gov.in Available at,” the Aadhaar issuing authority said.
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