Octoberend new deadline for banks to implement Aadhaar virtual ID

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the timeline for the implementation of virtual ID, UID token and limited e-KYC (know your customer) for authentication user agencies, including banks and financial institutions, by two months to October-end. Earlier, the deadline for migration to the new system was August 31.

The move comes certain entities requested the Aadhaar-issuing authority for more time to complete the migration to the new system as they were at various stages of implementation of the virtual ID, UID token and limited e-KYC, said UIDAI in a circular dated August 30 accessed by Mint.

However, according to UIDAI, telecom companies and e-sign providers not using the upgraded systems beyond 30 July shall be charged ₹0.20 for every transaction.

The virtual ID is a 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. It can only be generated, replaced or revoked by the Aadhaar number holder. It has been introduced so that the actual 12-digit Aadhaar number need not be shared for authenticating identity. The move is part of UIDAI’s initiative to put in place multilayered security to reinforce privacy for Aadhaar holders.

UIDAI has introduced two categories of an Authentication User Agency (AUA)—an entity engaged in providing Aadhaarenabled services. Local AUA, which is the limited KYC category, and a global AUA, will have access to e-KYC using the Aadhaar number.

An AUA may be a government, public or a private legal agency registered in India, which uses Aadhaar authentication services provided by UIDAI.

All banks, including commercial banks, payment banks, regional banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, small finance banks, life insurance companies, housing finance companies and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), have been categorised as global AUAs. Prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), telecom operators and non-life insurance companies are among those classified as local AUAs.

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