Why and How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Online: A Complete Guide
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): To improve the security of Aadhaar data and protect it from misuse, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) allows Aadhaar holders to lock their biometric data online. This is a vital security feature that prevents unauthorized access to your biometric information (fingerprints, iris scan) linked to your Aadhaar number.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to lock your Aadhaar biometric online, why it’s important, and other key details:
How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Online:
Visit the UIDAI Website:
Go to the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in.
Navigate to the 'Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric' Section:
On the homepage, under the 'Aadhaar Services' tab, click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Biometric’.
Enter Aadhaar Details:
You will be required to enter your Aadhaar number (12-digit) and the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your registered mobile number. If your mobile number is not registered, you will need to update it first by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment center.
Lock Your Biometric Data:
Once logged in, click on the option to Lock your Biometric data. This will disable the use of your biometric information for authentication until you unlock it again.
Unlock Biometric Data (when needed):
If you wish to use your Aadhaar biometric data for any future transactions (like authentication), you can easily unlock it through the same portal using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Why You Need to Lock Aadhaar Biometric:
Prevent Unauthorized Access:
Locking your biometric data adds an extra layer of security. This prevents the misuse of your biometric details for fraudulent purposes, such as unauthorized authentication in financial services or government programs.
Control Over Your Aadhaar Data:
By locking your biometric data, you gain full control over when and how your biometric information is used. This ensures that only authorized requests can access your data.
Protect Against Identity Theft:
With increasing instances of data theft and misuse, locking your biometric data helps protect your identity from being stolen or misused for illegal activities.
Enhanced Privacy:
Locking your Aadhaar biometrics ensures that your sensitive personal data remains private and accessible only when you choose to unlock it for specific use.
Important Information to Remember:
Mobile Number Registration: Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar, as this is the key medium through which you will receive OTPs to lock or unlock your biometric data.
Temporary Locking: You can lock or unlock your Aadhaar biometrics anytime, and the lock is temporary. You can unlock it when necessary for authentication purposes.
Biometric Locking and Government Services: Some government services, such as DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) or PF (Provident Fund), might require biometric authentication. Ensure to unlock your Aadhaar biometric data when accessing such services.
Privacy and Security: Locking your Aadhaar biometric ensures that fingerprints and iris scans are not used without your knowledge or consent, providing an added layer of data protection.
How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometric Online:
If you need to unlock your Aadhaar biometric for any reason, follow the same steps as you did to lock it. You will be prompted to enter your Aadhaar number, and OTP, and then click on ‘Unlock’.
The biometric data will be unlocked and accessible for authentication for a 24-hour period, after which it will automatically be locked again.
Conclusion:
Locking your Aadhaar biometric data is a simple and effective way to protect your personal information from misuse. It’s a recommended security practice for anyone who values privacy and wants to safeguard their biometric data. Always remember to unlock it only when necessary and monitor your Aadhaar-linked activities regularly for added security.
