Representative image showing UPI logo
Credit: iStock Photo
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the launch of the biometric-based Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transaction feature for mobile device users in India.
With the new feature, users can directly authenticate UPI payments through their smartphone’s built-in security options, such as fingerprint or face unlock, as an alternative to manually entering the UPI PIN [Personal Identification Number].
This feature is optional, and the user has to turn it on to enable fingerprint or face unlock security for UPI transactions.
All the UPI-compliant mobile wallet service providers, such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BharatPe and others, are expected to roll out the new update with a biometric-based authentication feature for UPI transactions soon.
NPCI has also launched an Aadhaar-based authentication feature to set or reset the UPI PIN on a smartphone. Currently, to create a UPI PIN, the user is required to enter the debit card details or go through Aadhaar OTP verification.
Now, with the Aadhaar-based facial authentication for UPI PIN, onboarding becomes faster, simpler than before.
Logo of Paytm is seen in this image.
Credit: Reuters File Photo
The new security feature is powered by UIDAI’s FaceRD App for Aadhaar-based facial verification. This eliminates the need to manage multiple OTPs, and there won't be a requirement for debit card details.
Further, NPCI announced that UPI will soon be available on smart glasses, and users will be able to do small-value transactions via UPI Lite IDs.
With this new feature, users can perform hands-free and secure transactions by simply scanning a QR, authenticate and complete payments through voice on Smart Glasses, without needing a phone or entering a PIN.
NPCI also launched a new mode for cash withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points (Business Correspondent touchpoints).
And, the government-run financial agency also launched the Multi-Signatory Accounts feature on UPI. It will enable multi-signatory/ joint accounts on UPI that require authorisation from one or more signatories to perform UPI payments with less hassle.
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