The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has considered the data privacy issue of individuals and come up with a different version of Aadhaar called the masked Aadhaar. Read through to know more about what it is and how to get it for yourself.
What is a Masked Aadhaar?
A masked Aadhaar option lets you mask the first 8-digits of your Aadhaar number, while the other 4 digits will be visible. When you download this version of your Aadhaar, your photo, QR code, demographic information, and other details will still be present. This card will be signed by UIDAI; therefore, you do not have to worry about its acceptance or legibility.
This version can be used where you have to provide Aadhaar only as an identity proof. You can provide masked Aadhaar to verify your photo along with the last 4 digits of the unique ID.
How to get a Masked Aadhaar?
Step 1: Visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/.
Step 2: Select the option ‘Download Aadhaar’ under ‘My Aadhaar’ tab.
Step 3: Follow one of the following methods to download your masked Aadhaar. The first two methods are only for residents of India.
Method 1: Aadhaar Number
If you already have an Aadhaar card, enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number along with your full name and pin code on the portal.
Method 2: Enrolment Number
Use the 28-digit enrolment number along with your full name and pin code to download the card.
Method 3: Virtual ID
You can enter the 16-digit Virtual ID on the portal to download the masked Aadhaar.
Step 4: Check the box with the label ‘I want a masked Aadhaar?’ to choose masked Aadhaar.
Step 5: Click on the ‘Send OTP’ button. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 6: Enter this OTP on the portal to access your masked Aadhaar.
Step 7: Alternatively, you can click on the ‘Enter TOTP’ button to use the time-bound OTP (TOTP) generated from mAadhaar app.
Step 8: Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded.
It is recommended to download your masked Aadhaar and keep it handy. You can use it whenever a need arises.
Source: https://cleartax.in/s/masked-aadhaar-uidai
IMPORTANCE OF MASKED AADHAR CARD:
- Since it just reveals the last four digits of your Aadhaar, users can share their Masked Aadhaar for eKYC in areas where revealing the whole Aadhaar number is not required.
- To protect users from fraud, the first eight are masked by the security function.
- The disguised Aadhaar can be obtained via e-Aadhaar, which is a password-protected electronic duplicate of Aadhaar.
- The competent Authority of UIDAI has digitally signed these online copies. According to the Aadhaar Act, an e-Aadhaar is as valid as a physical copy of Aadhaar for all purposes.
