Aadhaar Masking: What It Is, How It Works & Why It Matters

Protecting personal data has become one of the key concerns for individuals and businesses, especially in the times where financial frauds are at its peak. And, to address this issue and safeguard sensitive information, Aadhaar masking has proven to be an useful tool. 

In this blog, we will understand what Aadhaar masking is, why it is important and how it will help individuals and businesses protect personal information. We will also discuss how Deepvue’s innovative API solutions can ensure data security and compliance

What is Aadhaar Masking?

Aadhaar Masking, also known as redacted Aadhaar, is a feature provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that allows individuals to hide their full Aadhaar number in the downloaded e-Aadhaar. 

Instead of displaying the entire 12-digit number, only the last four digits are visible, with the first eight digits replaced by characters like “xxxx-xxxx.” This masked version includes all other necessary information, such as the holder’s photo, demographic details, and a QR code, making it a secure and verifiable document without revealing the complete Aadhaar number.

Why is Aadhaar Masking Important?

1. Increased Privacy: Individuals can protect their identity from any misuse by masking their Aadhaar number. This can be done where individuals just need to prove their identity and showing the full aadhaar number is not mandatory. 
2. Preventing Identity Theft: Masked Aadhaar helps reduce identity theft and improve security. It is difficult for unauthorized individuals to steal your personal information if only the last four digits are visible.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Certain financial transactions must be done using a Masked Aadhaar, as stipulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) among other regulatory bodies.
4. Secure Transactions: For businesses and financial institutions, using masked Aadhaar shows that the customer data is handled securely, which builds trust and reliability among clients.

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar?

Obtaining a masked Aadhaar is a straightforward process:

1. Go to the official UIDAI website (https://uidai.gov.in/).
2. Click on the “My Aadhaar” tab & select “Download Aadhaar.”
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, enrollment number, or Virtual ID.
4. Check the box for “I want a masked Aadhaar.”
5. Click on “Send OTP” and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
6. Once you authenticate it, you can download the masked Aadhaar.

This masked version is digitally signed by UIDAI and can be used instead of full Aadhaar as identity proof without revealing the full number.

Where Can You Use a Masked Aadhaar Card?

A masked Aadhaar card is a secure version of the standard Aadhaar card, where the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden, displaying only the last four digits. It helps protect sensitive personal information while still being valid for various uses.

1. KYC for Financial Services: Banks, financial institutions, and telecom companies accept masked Aadhaar for eKYC verification, ensuring privacy while completing regulatory requirements.
2. Identity Verification: Use it as a valid identity proof for hotel check-ins, travel bookings, and government services where address or identity verification is required.
3. Government Schemes and Subsidies: Submit a masked Aadhaar card for enrollment in various government welfare schemes and subsidy programs.
4. Educational Institutions: Many colleges and universities accept masked Aadhaar for admission verification and exam registrations.
5. Private Sector Services: Companies often request Aadhaar for onboarding or verification purposes. The masked version ensures secure identity verification.

Benefits of Aadhaar Masking for Businesses

1. Comply with regulations: Businesses operating under RBI supervision must use masked Aadhaar to meet KYC requirements that also ensure compliance with rules and safeguard customer data.
2. Enhanced Security:Masked Aadhaar safeguards against data breach. Even if somehow compromised one would not be able to get full details from the masked number hence protected from any kind of financial fraud.
3. Build trust: Secure management of consumer information enhances a company’s reputation. Trustworthy businesses value their customers’ right to privacy.
4. Streamlined Processes: Automating identity validation procedures using API-based solutions, such as those implemented through Aadhaar Masking, can make them faster and more efficient.

How Deepvue.tech’s Aadhaar Masking API Ensures Data Privacy

Deepvue.tech has developed an advanced Aadhaar Masking API solution for our clients. We have ensured that our advanced solution works hand in hand with other systems. Our APIs enable you to mask the QR code and keep the number secret while still allowing you to store and process Aadhaar numbers per UIDAI guidelines.

1. Easy Integration: Our API can be easily integrated into your current infrastructure, providing a hassle-free Aadhaar Masking tool.
2. Automated Masking: The API automatically masks Aadhaar numbers, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring that privacy standards are consistently met. 
3. Real-Time Processing: Our solution offers real-time processing, enabling businesses to quickly verify identities while maintaining data security.

Conclusion

Aadhaar Masking is a useful feature to protect personal information and comply with regulations. At Deepvue.tech, our advanced API solutions help businesses to implement Aadhaar Masking, increasing security and trust. 

Adopting Aadhaar Masking will enable both individuals and businesses to protect their personal information and secure it from unwanted access.

To know more about how Deepvue.tech can help you with your business concerning Aadhaar Masking, feel free to call us now. Let’s partner together in developing a safe digital environment that is also compliant.

FAQs