Aadhar Card Masking: Protecting Privacy in Accordance with Government Regulations

Aadhaar, the unique identification number issued by the Government of India, is an essential identity document for Indian citizens. However, with the increasing use of Aadhaar in various sectors, concerns about data privacy and security have become more pronounced. In response, the government has implemented regulations to ensure that Aadhaar data is protected and safeguarded.

For companies in the BFSI sector, Aadhaar is a critical component of their operations. However, they must also ensure that they comply with the regulations related to Aadhaar masking. Aadhaar masking is the process of hiding the first eight digits of Aadhaar numbers while revealing only the last four digits. This helps protect the privacy and security of individuals’ Aadhaar data, while still allowing companies to use the information for legitimate purposes.

Read ahead and get a comprehensive guide on Aadhaar masking and its regulations. We will also highlight the benefits of Aadhaar masking for companies in the BFSI sector and provide you with best practices for implementing it.

Note: We do not store the Aadhaar image or the number in our system.

What is Aadhaar Masking?

Aadhaar masking is a process of partially hiding the first eight digits of an Aadhaar number while revealing only the last four digits. This is done to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ Aadhaar data, while still allowing companies to use the information for legitimate purposes.

Explanation of the Process:

The process of Aadhaar masking involves :

Masking First Eight Digits: Modifying the Aadhaar number to hide the first eight digits, and only display the last four digits. This can be done manually or using automated software tools.
Masking of Eyes: Aadhaar card also contains a photograph of the individual, which includes their eyes. Masking of eyes is necessary to protect the privacy and security of the individual, as it prevents unauthorized use of the individual’s biometric information. Biometric information such as iris and fingerprint scans can be used to identify an individual and grant access to their personal information, making it important to protect this information by masking the eyes.
Masking of QR Code: The QR code on the Aadhaar card contains sensitive information such as the individual’s Aadhaar number, demographic details, and biometric information. Masking the QR code ensures that this information is not easily accessible to unauthorized parties. Additionally, masking the QR code helps to prevent the misuse of the Aadhaar data, as it prevents individuals from using the QR code to access or share sensitive information without the individual’s consent.
Greater convenience: Video MER can be more convenient for policyholders or applicants who are located in remote or underserved areas, or who have mobility or transportation issues.
Reduced risk of exposure to infectious diseases: By reviewing medical exams remotely, underwriters can reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, which can be especially important during times of pandemic or other public health emergencies.

Regulations related to Aadhaar Masking

The government of India has implemented regulations related to Aadhaar masking to ensure the privacy and security of individuals’ Aadhaar data. Companies in the BFSI sector are required to comply with these regulations while using Aadhaar data for legitimate purposes.

Overview of the Regulations:

As per the guidelines provided by UIDA and the latest guidelines given on the link (https://www.uidai.gov.in/images/Aadhaar_In_Media_22_March_2023.pdf), companies must follow the following regulations related to Aadhaar masking:

Masking of Aadhaar numbers: Companies must mask the first eight digits of Aadhaar numbers while revealing only the last four digits. This applies to both physical and digital Aadhaar cards.
Masking of eyes and QR code: In addition to masking the Aadhaar number, companies must also mask the individual’s eyes and QR code on the Aadhaar card.
Consent for Aadhaar authentication: Companies must obtain explicit consent from the individual for Aadhaar authentication. The consent must be obtained separately for each use case and cannot be obtained through coercion or misrepresentation.
Storage and protection of Aadhaar data: Companies must store Aadhaar data securely and protect it from unauthorized access or misuse. They must also ensure that the data is not shared with unauthorized parties.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Non-compliance with the regulations related to Aadhaar masking can result in penalties and legal action against the company. Companies may be fined, and their license to use Aadhaar data may be revoked. Additionally, non-compliance can damage the company’s reputation and erode the trust of its customers. It is, therefore, essential for companies to comply with the regulations to protect themselves and their customers from harm.

Benefits of Aadhaar Masking for Companies:

Aadhaar masking offers several benefits to companies in the BFSI sector. It helps them to protect the privacy and security of their customers’ Aadhaar data while still using it for legitimate purposes. Here are some of the benefits of Aadhaar masking for companies:

Overview of the Benefits:

Enhanced Privacy and Security: Aadhaar masking helps companies to protect the privacy and security of their customers’ Aadhaar data by masking sensitive information such as the first eight digits of Aadhaar numbers, eyes, and QR codes.
Improved Compliance: Companies can comply with the regulations related to Aadhaar masking by implementing appropriate masking techniques. Compliance helps to prevent penalties and legal action against the company.
Enhanced Customer Trust:By protecting the privacy and security of their customers’ Aadhaar data, companies can enhance their customers’ trust in their services. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and improved business performance.

How to Implement Aadhaar Masking:

At QuicSolv, we offer a flexible and easy-to-use Aadhaar masking solution that can be integrated with your existing systems using REST APIs or FTP. Our solution can automatically mask Aadhaar data in real-time at the point of document capture or in batch processing mode for large volumes of documents.

Using our REST APIs, you can seamlessly integrate our Aadhaar masking solution with your own applications, allowing you to quickly and easily mask Aadhaar data without any manual intervention. The APIs are designed to be flexible and easy to use, allowing you to customize the masking process to meet your specific needs.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also use our FTP option to upload Aadhaar images to our system for processing. Our system can automatically detect and mask Aadhaar data in a variety of document formats, including JPG, PNG, PDF, and TIFF.
With our flexible integration options, you can choose the method that works best for your organization and easily implement our Aadhaar masking solution without disrupting your existing workflows.
In addition to our cloud-based Aadhaar masking solution, QuicSolv also offers an on-premise solution for organizations that require additional control over their data and processing.
With our on-premise solution, all Aadhaar data processing takes place within your organization’s own infrastructure, ensuring maximum security and control over your sensitive data. Our solution is designed to be easily integrated with your existing systems and can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Our on-premise solution also includes dedicated support from our team of experts, who can help you with any technical issues and ensure that you are fully compliant with all relevant regulations.

Proven and Adaptable: Our Technology Is Ready to Meet Your Demands:

Whether you choose our cloud-based or on-premise solution, QuicSolv’s Aadhaar masking solution is designed to be flexible, easy-to-use, and fully compliant with Indian regulations.

In today’s increasingly digitized world, protecting sensitive personal information like Aadhaar data is more important than ever. QuicSolv’s Aadhaar masking solution is the perfect tool for companies in the BFSI sector that need to ensure compliance with Indian regulations related to Aadhaar data protection.

Our solution offers a range of key features, including real-time and batch processing, flexible integration options, support for multiple document formats, and dedicated support from our team of experts. By using our solution, companies can ensure that their sensitive Aadhaar data is protected at all times, while also streamlining their workflows and increasing efficiency.

Whether you choose our cloud-based or on-premise solution, you can trust that our Aadhaar masking solution is fully compliant with Indian regulations and backed by our team of experts. So why wait? Purchase our Aadhaar masking solution today and start protecting your sensitive Aadhaar data with confidence!