Masked Aadhaar: A Safer Way to Share Your Identity Securely

In a digital-first India, Aadhaar has become an essential identity proof for millions, serving purposes as diverse as availing government benefits to verifying identity for private services. However, sharing your Aadhaar information comes with risks, such as data misuse and identity theft. To address these concerns, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced the concept of a masked Aadhaar.

This blog dives deep into what masked Aadhaar is, its significance, how to generate it, and when to use it. By the end of this article, you will understand why a masked Aadhaar is a vital tool in safeguarding personal information in an increasingly data-driven world. 

What is a Masked Aadhaar?

A masked Aadhaar is a secure version of your Aadhaar card, where only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible. The first eight digits are concealed or “masked” to protect your privacy. Apart from this, all other details, such as your name, photograph, and address, remain visible.  

This version of the Aadhaar can be used for non-governmental purposes where complete Aadhaar information is not mandatory, such as KYC for private entities like banks or mobile service providers.  

Why the Need for Masked Aadhaar?

The increasing digitisation of personal data has exposed individuals to privacy threats, data breaches, and identity fraud. Sharing the complete Aadhaar number unnecessarily increases the risk of misuse. It helps mitigate these risks by ensuring sensitive data remains concealed while still serving as a valid identity proof.  

Ensure data privacy: With growing awareness around data privacy and the risks of sharing full Aadhaar details, the it is a significant step in protecting individual information. By masking the Aadhaar number, sensitive information becomes less accessible to unauthorised parties.  

Compliance with regulatory norms: As per Reserve Bank of India guidelines, private entities such as banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) can use it for KYC. This ensures they comply with regulations while maintaining customer privacy.  

Reduce the risk of identity theft: Identity theft often occurs when personal information falls into the wrong hands. It reduces this risk by hiding the complete Aadhaar number, making it harder for fraudsters to misuse.  

Features of Masked Aadhaar  

It retains most of the key features of the original Aadhaar while adding a layer of security. Here’s what makes it unique:  

• Masked Aadhaar number: Only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number are visible, ensuring partial anonymity.  
• Valid QR code: The QR code embedded in it contains all the essential details, such as your complete Aadhaar number and demographic information, which can be accessed only by authorised entities.  
• Authenticity guaranteed: Since it is generated directly from the UIDAI website, a it is tamper-proof and carries the same authenticity as the original Aadhaar.  

How to Generate a Masked Aadhaar 

Generating a masked Aadhaar is a simple and secure process. It can be done online through the official UIDAI portal.  

1. Visit uidai’s website: Start by navigating to https://uidai.gov.in
2. Access the e-Aadhaar option: Under the “My Aadhaar” section, click on “Download Aadhaar”.
3. Enter personal details: Provide your Aadhaar number, VID, or enrolment ID, along with other required information such as your full name, pin code, and security captcha.
4. Request OTP: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to proceed.
5. Select masked Aadhaar: Before downloading, check the box that says “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”.
6. Download .pdf: It will be available as a password-protected PDF file. The password is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in uppercase) and your birth year (YYYY).  

When and Where to Use Masked Aadhaar  

It can be used in scenarios where only partial Aadhaar information is required. Its primary purpose is to enhance security while remaining a valid form of identity proof.

1. For private organisations: Private entities such as banks, insurance companies, and telecom operators can accept it for KYC verification. It ensures compliance while safeguarding customer privacy.
2. During non-governmental transactions: It is suitable for use in transactions that do not require detailed Aadhaar information, such as hotel check-ins or property rentals.  
3. For sharing with third parties: Whenever you are required to share your Aadhaar details with an unverified third party, it is advisable to use a this instead of the original one.  

Limitations of masked Aadhaar

While the masked Aadhaar offers increased security, it has certain limitations that users should be aware of.  

• Not valid for government subsidies: Government agencies that offer subsidies or welfare schemes require full Aadhaar information. it is not suitable in these cases.  
• Limited acceptance: While many private organisations accept it, some entities may still insist on the original version due to internal policies.  
• Requires a QR scanner: To access complete information from the masked Aadhaar, entities must have a QR code scanner, which may not always be available.  

How masked Aadhaar Aligns with Data Protection Laws

The introduction of masked Aadhaar reflects India’s growing emphasis on data protection and privacy. It aligns with global standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Enhancing consumer trust: By promoting the use of masked Aadhaar, UIDAI empowers individuals to share their information with greater confidence. It fosters a sense of trust between users and service providers.  

Reducing overexposure of personal data: It limits the sharing of sensitive information to only what is necessary, ensuring that users do not overexpose their personal data.  

Future of identity verification with masked Aadhaar: This is just one step towards a more secure and privacy-focused identity verification ecosystem. As digital identities become increasingly central to daily life, innovations such as blockchain and decentralised identity systems could further enhance the way Aadhaar is used.  

• Greater adoption in private sectors: With rising awareness about data privacy, more private entities are expected to accept it as a standard for identity verification.  
• Integration with digital wallets: The integration of masked Aadhaar into digital wallets could simplify transactions while maintaining user privacy.  
• Improvements in biometric authentication: Advanced biometric technologies could complement masked Aadhaar by providing additional layers of security.  

It is a critical innovation in India’s identity verification framework. By addressing the growing concerns of data privacy and identity theft, it empowers individuals to share their Aadhaar information securely and confidently.  

For businesses, it offers a complaint and customer-friendly way to verify identities without compromising sensitive data. With its ease of generation and broad applicability, it is a practical solution for anyone looking to protect their personal information in an increasingly digital world.