Digital identities have now interwoven themselves more deeply into our everyday lives, and the protection of people’s data has become a great concern. The Central Government of India initiated the Aadhaar project, which has opened people’s access to banking and welfare schemes through biometric identification. Considerable debates thus arise around the security of data and privacy. To keep these privacy concerns in check, UIDAI introduced the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID).
The VID is a highly innovative feature expected to strengthen privacy protection, in contrast to Aadhaar-based authentication. An Aadhaar Virtual ID is a temporary, 16-digit number generated by an Aadhaar holder instead of their preset actual 12-digit Aadhaar number. The VID, unlike the Aadhaar number, is not permanent; it’s revocable, and it can be re-generated at any moment. It adds a dynamic way to secure the ID, leaving it less exposed to identity theft or data leak. This blog reviews how the Aadhaar Virtual ID bolsters privacy protection by reducing sensitive personal details exposure.
What is Aadhaar Card Virtual ID (VID)?
An aadhaar virtual ID is a 16-digit number that can be generated by an aadhaar card holder, which can be used instead of the aadhaar number. The primary objective of the aadhaar virtual ID is to protect the aadhaar data from unwanted access. This unique number is generated temporarily and is mapped against each aadhaar number. The VID was introduced by UIDAI, to enforce security and privacy. During transactions, the VID helps ensure security and privacy because aadhaar numbers are often connected to sensitive data, including banks, demat accounts, and other financial documents.
During identity verification, the aadhaar user does not need to reveal their aadhaar number. The verification can be conducted simply by using the VID. The aadhaar virtual ID can further be used for aadhaar authentication and verification purposes. Using this number one can complete the e-KYC, obtain government subsidies, and conduct financial transactions. The virtual aadhaar ID is a temporary number, which can be generated using the aadhaar number or UID. No restrictions are imposed on how many times you can generate a VID. Businesses can verify your name, address, photo, and biometric information without revealing your UID.
Importance of Aadhaar Virtual ID for Privacy
You may wonder, when there’s an aadhaar number why there is a need for an aadhaar virtual ID. The prevalence of identity fraud is on the rise, with over 60% of digital fraud cases being associated with tampered or fake identification. As a result, UIDAI presented the idea of a virtual ID to prevent malpractices and fraudulent actions.
The virtual aadhaar ID mainly adds another layer of security. During the identity verification process, you can generate a new VID. Once the verification process is completed you can regenerate the VID to avoid the risk of any fraudulent activity. When you, generate the new VID, the previously generated VID gets deactivated mostly within a day. This way, you can easily protect your personal information.
It is important to note that, when an agency or business performs the verification process using the aadhaar virtual ID, then they are unable to retrieve the original aadhaar number of the applicant. This safeguards the security and privacy of aadhaar card holders from telemarketers and fraud.
The aadhaar virtual ID can be generated only by the aadhaar card holder. Therefore, all the information present in the aadhaar card except for the aadhaar number or UID is linked to it. Aadhaar virtual ID is important to prevent your sensitive information from the hands of any swindler.
Related read: How to Scan an Aadhaar Card Using QR Code?
How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?
Online Methods for VID Generation
- On the official MyAadhaar website, navigate to the Aadhaar Virtual ID creation page.
- After you enter the displayed captcha code, enter your Aadhaar number.
- A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the registered mobile number you provided when you click “Send OTP.”
- Enter your OTP and choose the VID option. After entering the OTP on the screen, choose “Generate / Retrieve VID” and press “Submit.”
- You will receive your 16-digit VID at the email address and registered mobile number you provided.
Generating VID via SMS
- In the first step, launch the messaging application on your mobile device.
- The second step is to begin a new message and put “GVID” followed by a space and the final four digits of your Aadhaar number. Enter “GVID 4311” if your Aadhaar number is 2256-7734-4311 in the specified field.
- The third step is to send this message to the number 1947 after you are finished.
- A text message containing your freshly generated Virtual ID (VID) will be sent to you shortly.
Using the UIDAI Mobile App
- To begin, go to either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and proceed to download the mAadhaar application.
- Open the mAadhaar app as the second step. The software requires that you register your mobile number.
- ‘Generate Virtual ID’ is the third step, which requires you to locate and select it from the home screen.
- Next, you will need to enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code before clicking on the “Request OTP” button.
- To finish the process and receive your Virtual ID, you will need to enter the OTP and then touch the “Generate Virtual ID” button.
Benefits of Using Aadhaar Virtual ID
- Enhanced Security during Transactions
One of the premier benefits of an aadhaar virtual ID is that it provides an added layer of security during transactions. Instead of providing the actual aadhaar number, you can provide the temporary VID. This ensures that all your personal information remains intact and protected. With VID, you can rest assured that during any form of digital transaction, your aadhaar details are not compromised. Aadhaar virtual ID prevents identity theft, data breaches, and unauthorized access, making it the safest option for digital transactions.
- Temporary Identifier Feature to Reduce Risks
The 12-digit aadhaar number is a one-time permanent number, whereas VID is a temporary and revocable identifier. Users can create as many VIDs as they wish to. Once a user creates a new VID, the old one becomes invalid. This reduces the risks of misuse, as a compromised VID becomes obsolete once a new one is generated. The aadhaar virtual ID will safeguard your identity at any cost. Once you regenerate a new VID, your shared VID will be secured even if the database of the service provider is breached.
- Convenient for Digital Identity Verification
With an aadhaar virtual number, you can go through the identity verification process without dedicating to security. To access any services that require verification and authentication, one can provide the VID and have peace of mind. Businesses can have a smooth verification process using the VID instead of the aadhaar number, and at the same time ensure compliance with UIDAI regulations. This makes VID a win-win solution for both businesses and individuals. Users can easily access government services, banking, and other online platforms using the VID, as the identity verification will be conducted quickly and securely.
Applications of Aadhaar Virtual ID
- Use in Financial Services: The finance industry has highly benefited from the adoption of aadhaar virtual ID in its processes. It streamlines the verification process while maintaining security. Financial institutions can use the VID number instead of the aadhaar number to verify identities. This way, access to sensitive data is restricted and reduces the risk of fraud and data breaches. Financial institutions like banks and payment platforms can use VID for customer onboarding, transaction authentication, and loan approvals.
- Use in Government Services: Although the implementation of aadhaar government services has been revolutionized, VID takes this a step further by enhancing privacy. With VID, citizens are protected from identity theft while applying to multiple government schemes like tax filing, subsidy distribution, and pension disbursement. When citizen apply for government welfare benefits using the VID, their aadhaar number remains confidential, building a level of trust in government systems.
- Use in Healthcare: For secure and efficient patient identification VID offers significant benefits to hospitals, clinics, and telemedicine platforms. The aadhaar virtual ID can be used in the healthcare sector for appointments, insurance claims, and medical record access. VID in the healthcare sector can be used to authenticate patients without storing or sharing their aadhaar numbers.
Conclusion: Embracing Aadhaar VID for Safer Digital Interaction
The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is a landmark step toward enhancing the privacy protection of millions of Aadhaar users. By giving out a temporary and revocable identifier, VID minimizes the risk posed by sensitive personal information exposure while ensuring that people can securely authenticate their identity. This innovation therefore goes beyond privacy concerns to restore trust in the Aadhaar ecosystem, a much-needed tool in a digital-first world. The adoption of Aadhaar Verification APIs by financial institutions, fintech startups, and e-commerce platforms has resulted in up to 80 percent improvements in onboarding times.
If you’re a business or developer looking to integrate secure and seamless Aadhaar-based verification into your systems, explore our Aadhaar Verification API. Our API is designed to simplify the process of verifying Aadhaar details while ensuring compliance with UIDAI guidelines and maintaining the highest standards of data security. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our Aadhaar Verification API can meet your needs and enhance your services.
FAQs:
How does VID differ from the aadhaar number?
VID is a temporary, 16-digit number that acts as a proxy for your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Unlike the Aadhaar number, which is permanent, VID can be regenerated or revoked at any time, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.
Can VID be used for all services?
Yes, VID can be used for most services that require Aadhaar-based authentication, including banking, telecom, and government schemes. However, certain services, such as updating Aadhaar details, may still require your actual Aadhaar number.
Is VID secure and reliable?
Absolutely. VID is designed to enhance security by minimizing the exposure of your Aadhaar number. It is a UIDAI-approved mechanism that ensures secure and reliable identity verification while protecting your personal data.
Can VID replace my aadhaar number completely?
No, VID cannot replace your Aadhaar number entirely. It is a temporary identifier used for authentication purposes, while your Aadhaar number remains the primary and permanent identifier for official records and certain services.
Is it safe to share aadhaar virtual ID?
Yes, it is safe to share your VID as it is a temporary and revocable identifier. Even if compromised, it can be regenerated, ensuring your actual Aadhaar number remains secure. Always use VID instead of your Aadhaar number for enhanced privacy.
