Govt asks telcos to stop Aadhaar eKYC verification

The Centre on Friday directed the telecom firms to stop using Aadhaar for electronic authentication for verifying existing mobile customers or for the issuance of new SIM cards.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) in its direction said that if customers wanted to give physical Aadhaar card to get SIM cards voluntarily as an address proof, it can be accepted.

The DoT also directed telecom firms to report compliance of order barring the use of Aadhaar authentication for issuing phone connections by November 5.

Earlier, the Supreme Court in its judgement on Aadhaar, had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private companies to use the 12-digit biometric ID-based eKYC (e-Know Your Customer).

Following this, telecom operators will not be able to use this instantaneous and inexpensive Aadhaar eKYC route.

Digital process

The DoT and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) are in the process to bring out a completely hassle-free and digital process for issuing new SIM cards through a mobile app, which will be fully compliant with the Supreme Court judgement in Aadhaar case.