UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA (UIDAI)
1. Context
As more frauds related to the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) come to the fore, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has turned to artificial intelligence-based systems in a bid to limit the cases this includes developing technologies around fingerprinting and facial recognition
2. Aadhar fingerprint technology work
- The technology uses a combination of both finger minutiae and finger image to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured
- The measure was implemented after instances of people creating fake fingerprints using silicone to syphon off money from unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts were reported
- Aadhaar fingerprint technology works by using a scanner to capture the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person's finger.
- The scanner converts the fingerprint image into a digital algorithm, which is then stored in a database.
- When a person's fingerprint is scanned again, the algorithm is used to compare it to the stored fingerprint. If the two algorithms match, the person is authenticated.
- The Aadhaar fingerprint technology is very accurate, with a false acceptance rate of less than 0.0001%.
- This means that there is a very small chance that someone else's fingerprint will be mistakenly matched to yours
3. Payment frauds
- According to the Home Ministry, in the financial year 2020-21, 2.62 lakhs financial crimes, such as money laundering, bribery, corruption and different kinds of frauds, were reported
- The number jumped to 6.94 lakhs in 2022, a report, released by the Standing Committee on Finance
- Citing data it received from the supervised entities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the committee noted that payment-related frauds are on the rise in India
- In FY21, the volume of such frauds was a little over 700,000, which by FY23, increased to close to 20 million.
4.Can technology solve fraud problem
Deploying technological measures to curtail financial frauds has its own limits, though.
For instance, they have failed to thwart a number of frauds related to AePS, in which a business correspondent, a key member in the payment supply chain, is the culprit
A business correspondent (BC) is an informal bank agent equipped with a biometric Point-of-Sale (PoS) machine, which works like a micro ATM
5. About the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established in January 2009 by the Government of India under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016. UIDAI is responsible for issuing unique identification numbers, known as Aadhaar numbers, to residents of India
- The primary objective of UIDAI is to provide a unique and verifiable identity to every Indian resident, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status
- The UIDAI is responsible for issuing Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number to all residents of India.
Aadhaar is a proof of identity and address, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Accessing government services
- Opening bank accounts
- Making payments
- Traveling
- Enrolling in school
6. Way forward
Aadhaar has been integrated into various welfare schemes and government services, making it an essential part of India's digital identity infrastructure. However, it has also raised concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse of personal information. The Indian government has taken steps to address these concerns and improve the security and accessibility of Aadhaar services
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For Prelims: UIDAI, Aadhar, Cybercrime
For Mains: 1.Discuss the potential cybersecurity risks and challenges associated with the Aadhaar biometric authentication system in India. What measures should be taken to mitigate these risks effectively?
2.Analyze the role of Aadhaar in combating cybercrimes in India. How can Aadhaar's unique identification system be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity and protect individuals from online threats?
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Previous year Questions
1. Consider the following Statements (UPSC CSE 2018)
1. Aadhar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile
2.Once issued, the Aadhar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the issuing Authority
Which of the statements given above is/ or Correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- D
2.Consider the following statements
1. Aadhar card data cannot be stored more than three months
2.State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing Aadhar data
3.Aadhar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products
4. Aadhar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated fund of India
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct
A. 1 and 4
B. 2 and 4
C. 3 Only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer - B
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Source: indianexpress
