Aadhaar Update: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated more than 2.5 crore (25 million) Aadhaar numbers of dead people as part of a major database cleanup operation. The organisation intends to maintain precise records of its extensive biometric identification system while preventing people from using Aadhaar for both identity theft and illegal benefit acquisition.
Aadhaar Update: Why Were Aadhaar Numbers Deactivated?
The Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, explained to Parliament that deactivating Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals prevents identity theft and protects these IDs from being used without permission to access government benefits. The cleanup operation aims to protect the Aadhaar database, which currently contains active records of approximately 134 crores users.
Aadhaar Update: How Does It Help Prevent Fraud?
The UIDAI decreases identity theft risks through dead person ID deletions because it prevents criminals from using deceased relatives’ identities to open bank accounts, acquire loans, and obtain government benefits illegally. The UIDAI has implemented security enhancements through biometric lock/unlock functionalities and face authentication with liveness detection and safe offline verification systems.
Aadhaar Update: What Should Families Do?
Families need to use the MyAadhaar portal to report their loved ones’ death by submitting the official death certificate. This process helps to update the database with immediate effect, while it decreases the chance of misuse.
The UIDAI deactivation of millions of Aadhaar numbers associated with deceased people functions as an identity fraud prevention method, which also enhances the security of India’s digital identity system. Regular database sanitisation helps government programs deliver benefits to eligible individuals while simultaneously minimising security vulnerabilities.
