<p>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which rolled out the national biometric identity programme Aadhaar, made it clear that the organisation has held discussions with various device manufacturers to avail its facility.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an interaction with DH, UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey said that the discussion they had with device manufacturers was not about making this mandatory. “UIDAI wants mobile and device manufacturers to use the Aadhaar-enabled biometric authentication. If they want to use it, they will have to conform to our security standards,” said Pandey. <br /><br />When asked how this will help citizens, Pandey said if a mobile or tab authenticates a person either with his or her fingerprint or iris, he or she can e-sign all applications with ease. “Citizens who are using these devices can do many of their online transactions easily. In order to do this, the devices should comply with our specification, biometric should meet our standards, and it should be properly encrypted,” he said. <br /><br />Pandey said the organisation also held meetings with both Indian and foreign device manufacturers. “We are not battling with any manufacturer and want companies to hold discussions internally to utilise this facility,” he said. <br /><br />UIDAI chief also said the Aadhaar card is likely to become mandatory for all central and state government subsidies and benefits that require funding from the central exchequer. “If someone does not have Aadhaar and the registration facility is not in his/her locality, the agency will ensure that it is available at one’s doorstep,” he said. <br /><br />Former technology head of the UIDAI Srikanth Nadhamuni said it is better that all consumer devices produced and sold in India support Aadhaar biometric authentication. “Nowadays, you have to buy a separate biometric scanner and use a USP port to attach it with your mobile for authentication. Gradually, Android devices and Apple phones are coming up with fingerprint and iris scanner in their phones itself,” he said. <br /><br />“At present, the government requests that all mobiles sold in India should be Aadhaar compliant so that they can be used effectively. It is a very good and valid idea, and the government should take it forward. As mobile devices are already loaded with data, there is no need for additional instrument and other manufacturers having access to this data,” he said.<br />DH News Service</p>
<p>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which rolled out the national biometric identity programme Aadhaar, made it clear that the organisation has held discussions with various device manufacturers to avail its facility.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an interaction with DH, UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey said that the discussion they had with device manufacturers was not about making this mandatory. “UIDAI wants mobile and device manufacturers to use the Aadhaar-enabled biometric authentication. If they want to use it, they will have to conform to our security standards,” said Pandey. <br /><br />When asked how this will help citizens, Pandey said if a mobile or tab authenticates a person either with his or her fingerprint or iris, he or she can e-sign all applications with ease. “Citizens who are using these devices can do many of their online transactions easily. In order to do this, the devices should comply with our specification, biometric should meet our standards, and it should be properly encrypted,” he said. <br /><br />Pandey said the organisation also held meetings with both Indian and foreign device manufacturers. “We are not battling with any manufacturer and want companies to hold discussions internally to utilise this facility,” he said. <br /><br />UIDAI chief also said the Aadhaar card is likely to become mandatory for all central and state government subsidies and benefits that require funding from the central exchequer. “If someone does not have Aadhaar and the registration facility is not in his/her locality, the agency will ensure that it is available at one’s doorstep,” he said. <br /><br />Former technology head of the UIDAI Srikanth Nadhamuni said it is better that all consumer devices produced and sold in India support Aadhaar biometric authentication. “Nowadays, you have to buy a separate biometric scanner and use a USP port to attach it with your mobile for authentication. Gradually, Android devices and Apple phones are coming up with fingerprint and iris scanner in their phones itself,” he said. <br /><br />“At present, the government requests that all mobiles sold in India should be Aadhaar compliant so that they can be used effectively. It is a very good and valid idea, and the government should take it forward. As mobile devices are already loaded with data, there is no need for additional instrument and other manufacturers having access to this data,” he said.<br />DH News Service</p>
