Now, govt pushes offline tools to verify Aadhaar

Now, govt pushes offline tools to verify Aadhaar

News:

1. Government to bring offline tool for Aadhaar Verification such as QR codes and a paperless KYC.

Important Facts:

2. The step is taken to address fears over surveillance, breach of privacy while sharing the Aadhaar number and the biometric verification.
3. These methods will not require sharing of biometrics or involve UIDAI servers for Authentication.The KYC process will not even need users to reveal their Aadhar numbers.
4. A service provider can download a QR code reader from the UIDAI site or get scanner that can read the code on an Aadhaar number printout.
5. The offline KYC can be used by service providers, including government, and will be in addition to other IDs such as driving licenses, ration and electoral photo cards, passports and PAN cards.
6. Officials said eKYC and QR codes protect privacy as UIDAI is ignorant of their use. Also, you can restrict demographic information, giving only name and address.
7. The offline processes will fulfil Supreme Court’s order ruling out Aadhaar authentication for private firms.