Two-tier Security for Aadhaar

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced two-tier security feature viz. Virtual ID and Limited KYC to address privacy concerns. The move aims to strengthen security and privacy of Aadhaar data. It will also reduce the collection of Aadhaar numbers by various agencies.

Virtual ID

A Virtual ID (VID) will be a temporary 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. There can only be one active and valid VID for an Aadhaar number at any given time and it will not be possible to derive the Aadhaar number from VID, the circular said.

The VID authentication will be similar to using Aadhaar numbers. However, since a VID is temporary, agencies will not be able to use it for de-duplication.

Limited KYC

It has categorised its authentication user agencies (AUAs) into Global AUAs and Local AUAs wherein the latter will get access to only need-based or limited KYC details. AUAs, which by law are required to use Aadhaar number in their KYCs, will be categorised as Global AUAs and have access to Full e-KYC and the ability to store Aadhaar numbers within their system.