Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India, serves as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the country. One of the standout features of Aadhaar is its biometric data – fingerprint and iris scans of the enrolled individuals. Recognizing the potential risks of unauthorized access and misuse, UIDAI introduced an online facility that allows Aadhaar holders to lock and unlock their biometric details.
When locked, the biometric information remains shielded, ensuring that it cannot be used for authentication, thus adding an additional layer of privacy and security. When needed, individuals can easily unlock their biometrics for authentication purposes using the same online platform. This mechanism gives users direct control over when and how their sensitive biometric information can be accessed.
Why Aadhaar Card Biometrics lock is Impotent
Aadhaar biometrics lock is a crucial feature provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to enhance the security and privacy of an individual’s biometric data associated with their Aadhaar number. This function enables Aadhaar cardholders to lock and temporarily disable their biometrics, rendering them inaccessible for authentication, thereby shielding them from potential misuse.
Given the sensitive nature of biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans, preventing unauthorized access is paramount. Without this lock, there’s a potential risk of data breaches or fraudulent activities. The lock ensures that even if an individual’s unique number is compromised, their biometric data remains secure and out of reach, adding an extra layer of protection to the identity and privacy of millions of Indian citizens.
How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics via UIDAI Website
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become an essential identification tool for citizens of India. With the rising concerns over privacy and security, UIDAI offers a feature to lock Aadhaar biometrics. This lock safeguards the biometric information (fingerprint and iris scans) from being misused.
Locking your biometrics ensures that the Aadhaar number cannot be authenticated using your fingerprint or iris data. This feature is useful for individuals who are concerned about the unauthorized use of their biometric data. Here’s a step-by-step guide to lock Aadhaar biometrics via the UIDAI website:
1. Visit the UIDAI Official Website:
- Start by visiting the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/
2. Navigate to the “My Aadhaar” Section:
- On the homepage, hover over the “My Aadhaar” tab.
- From the dropdown menu, under the “Aadhaar Services” section, select “Lock/Unlock Biometrics.”
3. Enter Your Aadhaar Number:
- On the next page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enter the security code (captcha) displayed on the screen.
- Click on “Send OTP” or “Enter TOTP” based on your preference.
4. OTP/TOTP Verification:
- If you’ve selected “Send OTP”, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.
- Enter the OTP in the designated field. If you’re using the mAadhaar app, you can use the TOTP (Time-based OTP) feature.
5. Lock Biometrics:
- Once verified, the next page will display details about your biometrics. Click on the “Lock” button.
- Read the displayed message carefully which will inform you that after locking your biometrics, you will not be able to use them for authentication until they are unlocked.
6. Confirmation:
- A confirmation message will be displayed, indicating that your biometrics have been locked successfully.
Know How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics via UIDAI Website
Biometric locking/unlocking is an added layer of protection to guard the misuse of your biometric data. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unlock Aadhaar biometrics using the UIDAI website:
Prerequisites:
- Registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar for receiving the OTP.
- Access to the internet.
Steps to Unlock Your Aadhaar Card Biometrics:
- Visit UIDAI Official Website:Start by navigating to the official UIDAI website:
https://uidai.gov.in/ - Navigate to the Biometric Lock/Unlock Section:Under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ section, you’ll find an option named ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’. Click on this option.
- Enter Aadhaar Number or VID:On the new page, you will be prompted to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or VID (Virtual ID). Input the necessary details.
- Enter the Security Code:You’ll see a security code (Captcha) on the screen. Enter it in the respective box provided.
- Receive OTP:Once you’ve entered the necessary details, click on the ‘Send OTP’ button. You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. This OTP is generally valid for a short duration, so ensure you use it promptly.
- Enter the OTP:Input the received OTP in the ‘Enter OTP’ box and click on ‘Login’.
- Unlock Biometrics:After logging in, you will see the option to unlock your biometrics. Click on the ‘Unlock’ button.
- Confirmation:Once you’ve successfully unlocked your biometrics, you’ll receive a confirmation message on the screen.
Important Points to Remember:
- Locking Biometrics: If you decide to lock your biometrics, remember that you won’t be able to use your biometrics (fingerprint or iris) for authentication during the lock period.
- Auto Unlocking: If you do not manually lock your biometrics after unlocking them, they will automatically get locked after 6 hours.
- Usage of Locked Biometrics: With locked biometrics, you cannot perform authentication services using the biometrics. You’ll need to unlock them first.
Conclusion:
Here we share how to lock and unlock your Aadhaar card biometric with guide. The ability to lock and unlock Aadhaar biometrics is a thoughtful feature that underscores the importance of privacy and security in the digital age. By empowering individuals with the control to manage the accessibility of their own biometric data, it enhances the trust and reliability of the Aadhaar system as a whole. Users are encouraged to be aware of these features and use them judiciously to safeguard their personal information.
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