Masked Aadhar Card- Why to Use and When?
Table of Content
Introduction
Aadhaar and background verification
Aadhaar and its misuse
What is Masked Aadhaar card
Benefits of Masked Aadhaar Card
How to get a Masked Aadhaar Card
Conclusion
Introduction
The Aadhaar card is a unique identity card issued by the Government of India. It serves as an identification document for citizens of India for various purposes including banking, taxation, and other services. It is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Indian government to every citizen of India.
The Aadhaar card contains personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and biometric data including fingerprints and iris scans. In recent years, the use of Aadhaar cards has been increasing in the country for various reasons such as Aadhaar verification for employees, applying for a new PAN card or linking bank accounts with it.
Aadhaar and background verification
While the Aadhaar card is integral in personal identification, it has also become an essential part of background verification in India. Aadhaar verification for employees is a part of background checks that helps ensure that the applicant is whom they say they are. Aadhaar provides a reliable and secure way to establish identity, which is crucial for conducting successful background checks.
Plus, the Aadhaar verification for employees in background checks during job interviews and screenings helps companies with vital information about the candidate. These checks include checking the academic or past corporate performances. This can help the employer confirm the identity and citizenship of the person applying for the job, which is fundamental in industries with a high risk of fraud or theft.
Aadhaar and its misuse
Aadhaar is used extensively by the Government and private institutions for identity verification and welfare operations. However, Aadhaar has been subject to misuse in recent times. The World Economic Forum Global risks in their 2019 report stated about the largest data breach happened in India where the Aadhaar card suffered breaches compromising the data of 1.1 billion citizens registered with Aadhaar. In January 2018, it was found that criminals were selling database access for Rs 500 for 10 minutes.
In a tragic incident, the former UIDAI Director General and TRAI Charmain Ram Sewak Sharma shared his Aadhaar number challenging Twitter users to hack his card and find details. He claimed that Aadhaar was safe was citizens. However, as a surprising result, ethical hackers provided him with his email id, alternative email ids, phone number, pan number, and Air India Frequent flyer Number, and also deposited Re 1 to his bank account. It was the most dramatic display of the safety associated with the Aadhaar card. Also, in March a state-owned utility company was allowing anyone to download ID numbers and names for further misuse.
Thus, concerning all the controversy surrounding Aadhaar, the UIDAI or the Unique Identification Authority of India has cautioned cardholders not to provide photocopies to any organization as a precautionary step against misuse. In an official announcement, the Government of India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) stated, “Do not share photocopy of your Aadhaar with any organizations because it can be misused. Alternatively, please use a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number." It is when a masked Aadhaar card can be used.
What is Masked Aadhaar card?
Masked Aadhaar Card is an extension of the traditional Aadhaar card. With the introduction of the Masked Aadhaar Card, a new level of security has been provided to Aadhaar card holders. The card is designed in such a way that it masks the first 8 digits of the user’s 12-digit Aadhaar number. This reduces the risk of identity theft by providing an extra layer of authentication and protection for users.
The main security feature associated with Masked Aadhaar Cards is their ability to prevent unauthorised access to and misuse of personal information. As only the last 4 digits are displayed on the card, no one will be able to identify or contact you with just your masked Aadhaar number. Additionally, it can be used as proof of identity when registering online for services like banking, insurance, etc. without sharing any sensitive information with third-party vendors. The main advantages of using Masked Aadhaar are that it can be used in place of regular Aadhaar cards in online transactions while ensuring that an individual’s sensitive details remain confidential. It is digitally signed by UIDAI and is completely legal. As we learn more about what is masked Aadhaar, we understand the many benefits that come with its use.
Benefits of Masked Aadhaar Card
Masked Aadhaar Card is simply a digital document that offers numerous advantages for individuals who want to safeguard their identity while utilizing public services like banking, passport applications, and authentication procedures. It provides several benefits, especially when it comes to online purchases and transactions.
One of the key benefits of the Masked Aadhaar Card is that it allows individuals to make online purchases without divulging their complete Aadhaar number. When making an online purchase, some platforms may require you to provide your Aadhaar details for verification purposes. By using the Masked Aadhaar Card, you can securely complete the transaction without revealing your full Aadhaar number. This feature ensures that your personal information is protected and reduces the risk of potential misuse or identity theft.
Additionally, the Masked Aadhaar Card is useful for identity verification purposes. In situations where you need to provide proof of identity but do not want to disclose sensitive information, the Masked Aadhaar Card serves as an ideal alternative. It allows you to verify your identity without revealing details like your full Aadhaar number, address, or other confidential data. This ensures a higher level of privacy and reduces the chances of your information being misused or compromised.
Furthermore, the Masked Aadhaar Card is a digital document, making it easily accessible and convenient to use. It can be stored securely on your mobile device, eliminating the need to carry a physical copy. This digital format enables quick and hassle-free verification, as you can easily share the Masked Aadhaar Card when required, without the risk of losing or damaging the physical document.
The benefits of the Masked Aadhaar Card include enhanced privacy and protection of personal information, secure online transactions without revealing full Aadhaar details, and convenient digital accessibility. It provides individuals with a safer and more convenient way to utilize public services, ensuring their identity is safeguarded while engaging in various transactions and verifications.
How to get a Masked Aadhaar Card
How to get masked Aadhaar is simple. To get a Masked Aadhaar Card, you must first go to the UIDAI website. Further steps include:
- Select the My Aadhaar Card option
- Under it select Download Aadhaar
- There are 3 options – Aadhaar number, Enrolment number and Virtual ID
- Select the checkbox which says “I want Masked Aadhaar card
- An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP on the website
- Your Masked Aadhaar Card will be downloaded
Where can you use Masked Aadhaar Card?
After we learn how to get masked Aadhaar, we move to how can we use it in day-to-day life. Masked Aadhaar cards are the latest development from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The masked version of the Aadhaar card can be used for various purposes.
One common use for a Masked Aadhaar Card is to open a bank account or apply for loans. Banks require individuals to provide proof of identity and address before they are allowed to open an account or take out a loan. The UIDAI has authorized banks to accept Masked Aadhaar cards instead of valid physical ID proofs like passports or driver's licenses. In addition, people who don't want other parties to see the full details on their Aadhaar card like for Aadhaar verification for employees can use this option instead.
Conclusion
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on cyber safety among individuals. As technology and the internet become more prevalent in everyday life, people are becoming increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with their online activities. With this heightened awareness, many are now taking steps to protect themselves from potential cyber threats by strengthening their accounts and using masked Aadhaar cards and learning how to get a Masked Aadhaar Card for real-time transactions. As a result, an increasing number of individuals are building awareness around protecting their data through the use of masked Aadhaar cards.
