Get New SIM Card With Aadhaar Face Recognition

Aadhaar has tightened its security walls by adding the facial recognition to its set of security features.

The Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI) has announced a new measure that seeks to mandate facial recognition by taking on the spot live pictures for every authentication that requires Aadhaar. Services that most commonly use Aadhar authentication include the issue of mobile SIMs (new or replacement), banks, the public distribution system and office attendance at government offices.

Facial recognition will come in as an additional feature along with the regular process that identifies an individual based on fingerprints or iris (eye) scans.

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The measure is being implemented following ‘official circulars’ by UIDAI At the moment, it will be sought only for new SIMs. With effect from Sep 15, at least 10% authentications will be through facial recognition ( on June 19 and August 17) to Authentication User Agencies (AUAs), Authentication Service Agencies ( ASAs), and certified biometric device providers.

Failure to follow the process will be treated as a criminal offence by authentication agencies, punishable with imprisonment and fine under Section 42 and 43 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, sources said.

UIDAI said the measure is being used to provide an added security layer, while also making the Aadhaar process ‘more inclusive’.

“There have been numerous instances where people have been excluded from Aadhaar authentication as their fingerprints are worn out due to old age, or since they are involved in manual labour or agriculture. This will help include them in the Aadhaar authentication process,” UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told the media.