Virtual ID Enabled; Aadhaar Number No More Needed

New Delhi: The virtual ID (VID) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar cards, is now operational with its Authentication User Agencies having migrated to VID and UID token.

The UIDAI has mandated the use of Virtual Identification, a 16-digit random number tagged to one’s Aadhaar number, from July 1.

Only the Aadhaar number holder will be able to generate, replace or revoke the virtual ID.

With VID operational, a person no longer has to share his actual 12-digit Aadhaar number for authenticating identity. VID initiative is aimed at ensuring multi-layered security to reinforce privacy of Aadhaar holders.

The banks will deploy the verification tool by August 31.

A user can generate many VIDs. The older ID gets automatically canceled when a fresh one is generated. The move will not only strengthen the privacy and security of Aadhaar data but will also reduce the collection of Aadhaar numbers by various agencies.

The service provider will receive a UID token when a consumer shares the VID. The government has also mandated sharing of limited details with all service providers. While authentication user agencies like banks or the income tax department will receive all the details, telecom companies or e-wallet providers will only get access to a part of the details captured on Aadhaar, like name and address or photograph.