5 Best Things To Know About Aadhaar QR Code

Aadhaar card is a unique identification card which consists 12-digit identification number that can be obtained voluntarily by Indian residents or Non-residential Indians(NRI's), based on their biometric and demographic data. The Aadhaar card has now become a necessary document for both proofs of identity(POI) and proof of address(POA) verification in India.

One of the major programmes for Digital India is Aadhaar card, To provide services for paperless e- KYC. Digital India was created by the Indian government to provide government/private services to all Indian citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and increasing internet connectivity or by providing country digital autonomy in the field of technology.

QR code

The Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI) provides Aadhaar card as a physical copy which takes up to 3 months to be delivered after registred in Aadhaar enrollment centre and e-Aadhaar copy which is protected by the password. You can download it from the UIDAI website.

The UIDAI e-Aadhaar card contains a QR code. UIDAI replaced the existing QR code, on e-Aadhaar, by having the resident's demographic details with a secure QR code that contains demographic data as well as a photo of the Aadhaar cardholder.

QR code and Secure QR code:

There will be two QR codes on your Aadhaar - QR code is a small one on the front of the down section contains only the demographic information and a Secure QR code is a visual code on the upper part of the front side section containing demographics and photograph of the Aadhaar holder which is digitally signed by UIDAI. To make this information more secure and inviolable, it will be signed with the UIDAI digital signature.

This new digitally signed QR code can ONLY be read using the UIDAI Windows-based custom client for desktop/laptop computers and validate against UIDAI digital signatures in real-time. In case, any fraud attempted on the e-Aadhaar card it can be easily detected using the QR code scanner.

Usage of QR code for e-KYC:

The QR code is a major part of a paperless e-KYC system launched by UIDAI for Aadhaar cardholders who can use it voluntarily without compromising the security of their Aadhaar data.

The union cabinet has authorized QR codes for the voluntary use of Aadhaar card data for e-KYC(Know your customer) authentication to obtain SIM cards, open bank accounts and other various services.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which has already issued instructions that Aadhaar can only be used for KYC if it is voluntary or for those receiving grants, already has a mechanism for e -KYC offline paperless Aadhaar.

5 things to know about Aadhaar QR codes for authentication purpose:

1. Each e-Aadhaar card contains two QR codes containing all of the holder's demographic details. The UIDAI recently rearranged the existing QR code with a new, more secure QR code which also has the photograph of the Aadhaar cardholder in addition to other demographic details.

2. QR codes are secure, inviolable and signed with the UIDAI digital signature. KYC data can be shared via QR codes even without the knowledge of the UIDAI.

3. For authentication, you will need to get a hard copy of your e-Aadhaar card using a LaserJet printer, then present it to the service provider or agency carrying out the KYC.

4. To guarantee the confidentiality of your data, QR codes do not contain your Aadhaar number but a masked Aadhaar number is available. Such offline authentication does not disturb the privacy of the individual because the Aadhaar card number is not shared with any third party. You also don't need to share biometric data like fingerprints or iris data. Only details like name, address, date of birth, gender and photo are available from QR codes.

5. UIDAI indicates that banks or authentication agencies can use this function for offline verification of data in e-Aadhaar. "Any agency working with people can use it with the consent of the holder of the Aadhaar number allowing wide use," says UIDAI on its website.

Advantages of Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC

Privacy: KYC data may be shared by the holder of the Aadhaarnumber number directly without the knowledge of the UIDAI. The resident's Aadhaar number is not disclosed, but only a reference ID is shared. No need to provide biometric details fingerprints and iris for such verification. The holder of the Aadhaar number has the choice of data from demographic data and photo to share.

Security: The Aadhaar KYC data downloadable by the holder of the Aadhaar number is digitally signed by UIDAI to verify the authenticity and detect any falsification. The agency can validate the data via its own OTP / Face authentication. KYC data is encrypted with the phrase provided by the holder of the Aadhaar number allowing residents to control their data.

Inclusion: Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC is voluntary and led by the holder of the Aadhaar number. Any agency working with people can use it with the consent of the holder of the Aadhaar number allowing wide use.

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