UIDAI's Measures to Combat Aadhaar Fraud

The Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) is implementing stringent measures to address increasing fraud cases involving Aadhaar and fake UID numbers.

Key Measures

• Restrictions on Changes: UIDAI plans to impose curbs on frequent alterations to birth dates and biometrics. Direct verification with official databases is part of this initiative.
• Technology Integration: Utilising frontier technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect fraudulent activities such as incorrect photographs and mixed biometrics.
• Online Application Process: Aiming to make the Aadhaar application completely online, with states switching to verifiable online documents.
• Database Integration: Access to original databases of 35 states has been secured to verify documents such as PAN, CBSE marksheets, and MGNREGA records.

Biometric Fraud Prevention

• AI/ML Algorithms: Developed to check the authenticity of fingerprints and ensure they are from a "live finger" to prevent biometric fraud.
• Age Estimation Software: AI-based software in cameras assists in age estimation, preventing misuse of Aadhaar meant for children.
• Photo Verification: AI is used to match individuals’ photos with the Bureau of Immigration database to prevent fraud.

Restrictions and Verifications

• Update Restrictions: Exploring possibilities of limiting the number of times fingerprints can be updated, especially for young people.
• Mixed Biometrics Detection: AI/ML technologies detect abnormalities such as mixing hand and foot biometrics or combining with another person’s biometrics.
• Non-Citizen Applications: Ensuring non-citizens apply after residing in India for 180 days and in the correct category, with 1,456 applications rejected recently for incorrect categorisation.

Verification Processes

• District Authority Verification: For applicants over 18, verification with district authorities is conducted to ensure authenticity.
• Online Document Accessibility: States are encouraged to switch to documents verifiable online by UIDAI, incorporating QR codes for authentication.