In early 2010 The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a central government organization, came up with the idea of assigning unique numbers to each person in the country after collecting and storing their biometric values. This unique number is the Aadhaar number which is a 12-digit number. The Aadhaar card contains this 12-digit number, as well as the cardholder's fingerprint and other credentials. This is stored in the government database. Aadhaar is now the world's largest single identifying project. It is used by Indians all around the world as confirmation of identification and address. The government uses this card as a foundation for implementing citizen services and public welfare.
Why masking is needed for Aadhaar cards?Since the government issued the Aadhaar card as a unique identification number, it has become a vital document for all citizens to use as proof of identification. Sharing, on the other hand, carries the risk of data breaches and security issues. What if a fraudster gets his hands on it and exploits it? To avoid money laundering crimes and protect the security of Aadhaar card data, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered Aadhaar card masking.
What is Aadhaar card masking?Every company in India that accepts and stores Aadhaar cards and photographs, according to the authorized regulatory agencies, must adopt Aadhaar masking. The purpose is to hide the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number from your Aadhaar card and images of your Aadhaar card to protect you from fraud, profiling, and Aadhaar exploitation without your permission.
When to mask an Aadhaar card?According to laws, you must mask Aadhaar at the moment of capture and surely before permanently keeping it in your downstream systems and databases.
UIDAI regulation on Aadhaar Masking dated 23 October 2018: Ordinance Aadhaar Amendment: F.No.13012/171/2018/Legal/UIDAI/114.
RBI regulation on Aadhaar Masking: Master Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016 (Updated 29 May 2019): RBI/DBR/2015-16/18, Master Direction DBR.AML.BC.No.81/14.01.001/2015-16 AND Amendment to Master Direction (MD) on KYC: RBI/2018-19/190,DBR.AML.BC.No.39/14.01.001/2018-19.
IRDAI regulation on Aadhaar Masking dated 29 January 2019: Allowing of Aadhaar Card as one of the acceptable documents for KYC- under certain conditions: Ref: IRDAI/SDD/Cl R/MISC/020/01/2019.
SEBI regulation on Aadhaar Masking dated 24 April 2020: Clarification on Know Your Client (KYC) Process and Use of Technology for KYC: Ref: SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/P/202.
Given these points, you now know the importance of Aadhaar card and Aadhaar masking solution. Now you may be thinking about a cost-effective and regulatory compliant Aadhaar masking solution. We at Pixdynamics have the best solution for you. Our Pixl Aadhaar Masking Solution is the product you are looking for. Feel free to contact us for more details. We are always happy to help you.