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.