NPCI launches biometric-based UPI transaction in India, extends support to smart glasses

Users will be able to use on-device fingerprint sensor or face unlock feature to complete the UPI transaction instead of typing PIN.

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.

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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