The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a phased roll out of face recognition feature as an additional mode of authentication

Face Recognition:

• The UIDAI said that ‘live face photo’ capture and its verification with the photo obtained in eKYC will be essential in those cases where Aadhaar is used for issuing mobile SIMs.
• The move aims at curbing the possibility of fingerprint spoofing or cloning, and seeks to tighten the audit process and security around issuance and activation of mobile SIMs.
• The Authority announced to roll out face recognition feature as an additional mode of authentication, starting with telecom service providers, from September 15.
• It has also proposed a monetary disincentive for telcos found slipping on the prescribed targets.
• For authentication agencies other than telecom service providers, the UIDAI said specific instructions will be issued on implementation of face authentication feature, but did not give a new deadline.
• The UIDAI has proposed a two-factor authentication for use of face recognition by telcos. Where an individual provides the Aadhaar number, the authentication will be done using fingerprint or iris and face.
• For individuals providing Virtual ID, the authentication can be on the basis of fingerprint or iris.

Need for face recognition:

• Combination of live face with fingerprint in authentication will also enhance Aadhaar security as it will effectively curb fingerprint spoofing.
• This will ensure that telcos provide face capture facilities to customers who encounter difficulty in authentication due to worn out finger prints.

UIDAI:

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (“Aadhaar Act 2016”) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• UIDAI was created with the objective to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID), named as “Aadhaar”, to all residents of India that is
  • Robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities
  • Can be verified and authenticated in an easy, cost-effective way