Aadhaar Virtual ID

Introduction

UIDAI introduced the Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) as a robust solution to address the concerns surrounding Aadhaar data security. Fully operational since June 1, 2018, the Aadhar Virtual ID serves as a temporary, secure substitute for your Aadhaar number. This system aims to mitigate the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access to your personal information.

What is an Aadhaar Virtual ID?

The Aadhaar Virtual ID provides a 16-digit temporary number that you can use instead of your Aadhaar number. It is generated from your Aadhaar number but keeps your actual Aadhaar number hidden from requesting parties. The Virtual ID helps protect your personal data while still allowing you to complete e-KYC processes with various organizations.

Key Points:

• Temporary Nature: The Virtual ID is a temporary code and is generated from your Aadhaar number.
• Single Use: Only one Virtual ID can be generated at a time for an Aadhaar number.
• Unlimited Generation: You can generate a new Virtual ID as often as needed.

How to Generate Aadhaar Virtual ID?

Aadhar Virtual ID (VID) is a 16-digit temporary code that allows users to protect their Aadhaar number when sharing information with service providers. This feature ensures privacy by letting users avoid disclosing their actual Aadhaar number.

Here’s how you can generate an Aadhar Virtual ID:

1. Visit the UIDAI Official Portal

Go to the UIDAI website and generate Virtual ID through UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in. This is the official website for Aadhaar services in India.

2. Navigate to ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’

On the homepage, look for the ‘My Aadhaar’ section. Under this, select ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator’ from the options available.

3. Enter Aadhaar Number

In the VID generation page, you will need to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the captcha code displayed on the screen.

4. Request for OTP

After entering your Aadhaar number, click on ‘Send OTP’. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field.

5. Generate or Retrieve VID

You will have two options:

• Generate VID: To create a new Aadhaar Virtual ID.
• Retrieve VID: To get an existing VID if you have already generated one.

Choose the ‘Generate VID’ option and click on ‘Submit’. The system will generate a 16-digit Virtual ID, and you will receive it on your registered mobile number.

6. Use the VID

Once generated, you can use the VID instead of your Aadhaar number to verify your identity with service providers. The VID is temporary and can be regenerated when needed.

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Features of Aadhaar Virtual ID

1. Temporary 16-Digit Code

You can use the Aadhar Virtual ID, a temporary 16-digit number, instead of your actual Aadhaar number for verification purposes. It helps safeguard your Aadhaar information by not sharing the original Aadhaar number.

2. Easily Regenerated

Users can generate a new VID as often as they need, which automatically cancels the previous one. This flexibility enhances security by preventing repeated exposure of your Aadhaar information.

3. Supports Authentication

You can use the VID for various authentication purposes, such as e-KYC for financial services, telecom, and other identity verifications, without disclosing your Aadhaar number.

Benefits of Aadhar Virtual ID

1. Enhanced Privacy and Security

By using the Aadhaar VID, users do not need to share their actual Aadhaar number, which minimizes the risk of data misuse or identity theft. The service provider can authenticate users without knowing the real Aadhaar number.

2. Convenient for Regular Use

Since the VID is easily generated and replaced, users can frequently update their Virtual ID to stay secure. It offers convenience by providing an option to retrieve the VID without the need to create a new one every time.

3. Accepted Across Various Services

The Aadhar Virtual ID can be used across different sectors, including banking, telecom, insurance, and more, for identity verification. It provides a unified identification solution without compromising user data.

4. Prevents Aadhaar Profiling

Using a Virtual ID ensures that service providers cannot profile individuals based on their Aadhaar information, as they only get a tokenized version of the Aadhaar number through the VID.

5. Ensures Compliance with Data Privacy Laws

VID generation and use align with privacy norms, protecting users’ data and ensuring service providers comply with Aadhaar regulations without storing actual Aadhaar numbers.

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Conclusion

The Aadhar Virtual ID is a significant advancement in protecting personal data and enhancing the security of Aadhaar-related transactions. By using the Virtual ID, you can maintain privacy while fulfilling e-KYC requirements efficiently. This system helps minimize the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, ensuring your sensitive information remains secure.

The Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) is an essential tool for users who prioritize privacy and security when sharing their Aadhaar information with service providers. By offering a temporary, easily regenerable alternative, it ensures secure authentication without the need to reveal the real Aadhaar number. This added layer of protection makes VID a practical and reliable solution for Aadhaar-related services across multiple sectors.