The biometric authentication of Aadhaar numbers has been made more robust and secure by using an artificial intelligence and machine learning mechanism developed by the Unique Identification Authority Of India (UIDAI) and the electronics and IT ministry, according to an official statement. Aadhaar is a 12-digit number that links to the biometric and iris data of an individual, creating a unique identity.

This identity is linked to the person’s bank details, phone number, government schemes and other financial services. The new mechanism uses “A combination of both finger minutia and finger image to check the liveness of the finger print captured”, the statement said on Friday. “This is making Aadhaar authentication transactions even more robust and secure.” “The move will be of immense use in segments including banking and financials, telecom and government sectors,” it said. “It shall also benefit bottom of the pyramid as it will further strengthen the Aadhaar enabled payment system and curb malicious attempts by unscrupulous elements.” NS Nappinai, a Supreme Court lawyer and founder of Cybersaathi, said the use of technology to ensure benefits to stakeholders with better security is always a welcome move.

“While we forge ahead in multiple use of AI and other tech enabled processes, it’s equally important if not more so to ensure that the checks and balances for such usage is captured expeditiously through laws and regulations,” she said. “There is urgent and immediate need for ring fencing and protecting against misuse or abuse or even to proactively provide protective measures through laws for AI and use of biometrics.”

– By Nadia Faiza, Hindustan University

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