What is a Maskd Aadhaar Card and Why You Need to Get One Soon?
Since its introduction, the Aadhaar Card has emerged as India’s single most crucial identity proof documentation. Every Indian should apply for an Aadhaar Card, and they are issued a unique identification number known as the Aadhaar number. Your Aadhaar number is centralized and unique and is used to store an individual’s details (including biometric data) in the government database.
Whether you want to open a bank account, get a new phone number, or apply for a driving license – you need to present your Aadhaar Card for everything. However, the rising popularity of the Aadhaar Card has also led to the misuse of Aadhaar Cards for criminal activities.
In this article, we will attempt to understand the concept of a UIDAI masked Aadhaar Card and how you can use it to prevent the misuse of your personally identifiable information while providing ID proof.
What is UIDAI?
The Unique Identification Authority of India, or UIDAI, is a government body responsible for issuing unique identification numbers (UID) to every citizen of India. UID is also known as Aadhaar.
What is a Masked Aadhaar?
A masked Aadhaar is a new concept introduced by the UIDAI to help Indian citizens minimize the risk of fraudulent activity on their Aadhaar. The masked Aadhaar means a copy of your Aadhaar card that does not display the entire Aadhaar number and replaces the first eight digits of your UID with XXXX-XXXX. UIDAI has decreed that a masked Aadhaar card can be legally used for identification, as it shows the cardholder’s name, address, and photograph. You can easily download a masked Aadhaar from the UIDAI portal.
How Does it Work?
In the past few years, linking your Aadhaar with your bank account and phone number has become mandatory. This link has enabled miscreants to access sensitive information with the help of Aadhaar numbers. Therefore, the government has advised everyone to use a masked Aadhaar instead of submitting a photocopy of their original Aadhaar card wherever required.
The masked Aadhaar card works exactly like the original Aadhaar card. The only difference is that it hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, thereby preventing fraudulent access to your details. When users share their masked Aadhaar number with others, the receiver can only see the last four digits of their Aadhaar number.
Importance of a Masked Aadhaar Card
Wherever it is not necessary to share the complete Aadhaar number – such as for photo ID proof only; users may share their masked Aadhaar for eKYC. Using a masked Aadhaar protects the personal information of Indian citizens, but it also makes the entire UIDAI system more efficient and less prone to data misuse.
Even though the UIDAI has adequate features to protect user identity and privacy, the government of India advises all citizens to avoid submitting photocopies of their original Aadhaar and use the masked Aadhaar instead.
How to Download a Masked Aadhaar?
A masked Aadhaar card download is a simple process and can be done on any smartphone or laptop.
Here are the steps to follow –
- Visit the official UIDAI website HERE
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number to log in.
- Select the option – ‘I want a masked Aadhaar.’
- Enter the Captcha verification code
- Click on ‘Send OTP.’ You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP. Select the option ‘Verify & Download Aadhaar.’
- Download masked Aadhar.
The process is easy and similar to how we download an e-Aadhaar. Just as the e-Aadhaar is valid and may be used as proof of identity, the masked Aadhaar is also valid and signed by a competent authority of UIDAI.
The Aadhaar card has become a significant proof of our identities as Indian citizens. However, with crime on the rise, protecting our Aadhaar information and sharing only where necessary is essential. The UIDAI does all it can to protect the Aadhaar database, but as holders of Aadhaar cards, we must also ensure that we responsibly use our proof of identification. The UIDAI has introduced the masked Aadhar as a simple way to protect user identity and privacy.
Author Bio:
Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics, so email him your questions at shiv@freopay.com.
