Phased rollout of face authentication with telcos from September 15, informs UIDAI

NEW DELHI: Aadhaar-issuing body Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has finally announced a phased rollout of the face recognition feature as an additional mode of authentication, starting with telecom service providers from September 15. The UIDAI had earlier planned to roll out the face recognition feature from July 1, a target that was later pushed to August 1.

It has also proposed a monetary disincentive for telcos found slipping on the prescribed targets from mid next month. For authentication agencies other than telecom service providers (TSPS), UIDAI said that specific instructions will be issued on implementation of face authentication feature but did not give a fresh deadline.

Significantly, the Authority has further said that ‘live face photo’ capture and its verification with the photo obtained in EKYC will be essential in those cases where Aadhaar is used for issuance of mobile SIMS. The UIDAI says that the move is aimed at curbing the possibility of fingerprint spoofing or cloning, and seeks to tighten the audit process and security around issuance and activation of mobile SIMS.

It may be recalled that in June this year, a Hyderabad-based mobile SIM card distributor had forged Aadhaar details for activating thousands of SIMS. “This instruction (for matching live face photo with EKYC photo) will apply only where Aadhaar is used for issuance of SIMS. As per Telecom Department’s instructions, if SIM is issued through other means without Aadhaar, then these instructions will not apply,” informed UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey.

The UIDAI has proposed a two-factor authentication for use of face recognition by telcos. Where an individual provides his Aadhaar number, the authentication will be done using fingerprint or iris and face. For individuals providing Virtual ID, the authentication can be on basis of fingerprint or iris.

The UIDAI said that in case where an individual is unable to authenticate his fingerprint or iris, face authentication can be used as an additional mode, to make the system more inclusive.