In recent years, Aadhaar-based face authentication transactions for service delivery have experienced a significant surge in popularity. With monthly transactions reaching a record-breaking high of 10.6 million in May, since its launch in October 2021, this technology has become an integral part of India’s digital landscape. The remarkable growth in face authentication transactions indicates a robust momentum, with a 38 percent increase compared to January 2023. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this innovative solution and explore its diverse applications.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has developed an AI/ML-based face authentication solution, which is now being utilized by 47 entities. These entities include state government departments, ministries in the central government, and select banks. Aadhaar-based face authentication transactions have found relevance in various sectors, ranging from healthcare to financial services, owing to their numerous advantages.
Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication: Applications and Use Cases
1. Beneficiary Registration and Authentication
One of the key applications of Aadhaar-based face authentication is in registering beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This ensures accurate identification and authentication of individuals seeking healthcare benefits. Similarly, it is employed for authenticating beneficiaries in the PM Kisan scheme, which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers. Furthermore, it facilitates the generation of digital life certificates for pensioners, enabling them to complete the process from the comfort of their homes.
2. Attendance Management and Banking Services
Government departments utilize face authentication for marking staff attendance and streamlining administrative processes. Additionally, leading banks have implemented this technology to open bank accounts through their business correspondents, ensuring a secure and efficient onboarding experience for customers.
3. State Government Initiatives
Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, have embraced Aadhaar-based face authentication for specific welfare schemes. The Jagananna Vidya Deevena Scheme employs this technology to facilitate fee reimbursement for eligible higher education students. Furthermore, the EBC Nestham scheme leverages face authentication to deliver welfare benefits to economically backward women.
Advantages of Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication
The growing adoption of Aadhaar-based face authentication can be attributed to its numerous advantages over traditional authentication methods. These advantages include:
1. Ease of Use and Faster Authentication
Face authentication offers a user-friendly experience, eliminating the need for complex procedures. It ensures faster authentication, enhancing efficiency and reducing wait times.
2. Enhanced Authentication Success Rate
By integrating face authentication as an additional modality alongside fingerprint and OTP authentications, the overall success rate of authentication processes is significantly improved. This multi-modal approach strengthens security and reduces the chances of unauthorized access.
3. Robust Security Measures
Aadhaar-based face authentication employs live image capture, making it resilient against video replay attacks and static photo authentication attempts. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access the services, mitigating the risks associated with fraudulent activities.
4. Accessibility for All
For individuals with issues related to fingerprint quality, such as senior citizens or those engaged in manual labor, face authentication offers a robust alternative. It provides a reliable means of identification, regardless of any physical limitations.
Aadhaar Updates and e-KYC Transactions
Apart from face authentication transactions, the UIDAI also executed 14.86 million Aadhaar updates in May. These updates reflect residents’ requests for changes or modifications in their Aadhaar information. Furthermore, the Aadhaar e-KYC service remains pivotal in the banking and non-banking financial sectors, providing transparent and enhanced customer experiences. In May alone, more than 254 million e-KYC transactions were conducted, contributing to a cumulative total surpassing 15.2 billion by the end of May 2023.
