{"id":1394,"date":"2023-10-06T11:58:17","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T11:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/?p=1394"},"modified":"2023-10-06T12:12:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T12:12:44","slug":"what-is-a-masked-aadhaar-and-why-do-you-need-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/what-is-a-masked-aadhaar-and-why-do-you-need-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Masked Aadhaar and why do you need it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In an era where personal data security &amp; data privacy are paramount, the <\/span><b>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brought forth the concept of &#8220;<\/span><b>Masked Aadhaar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&#8221; This innovative feature offers a powerful way to enhance privacy and security for Aadhaar cardholders in India.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masked Aadhaar is a version of the regular Aadhaar card, where the first 8 digits are masked (hidden behind asterisks) and only the last four digits are visible. By hiding the first 8 digits of one\u2019s Aadhaar card number, UIDAI ensures that their identity remains <\/span><b>safe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even if the card is lost or misplaced. It can be used anywhere that accepts an Aadhaar card as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of Identity<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, except for availing government benefits and subsidies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How Does Masked Aadhaar Work?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of obtaining a Masked Aadhaar is simple and it works as mentioned below : <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Visit the UIDAI Website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To generate a Masked Aadhaar, visit the official UIDAI website.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Enter Aadhaar Details<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Input your complete Aadhaar number along with the security code displayed on the website.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Receive OTP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Verification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Enter the OTP to verify your identity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Select Masked Aadhaar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: During the Masked Aadhaar generation process, you will have the option to choose between a regular Aadhaar and a Masked Aadhaar. Select the latter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Download or Print<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Once you complete the process, you can download the Masked Aadhaar and use it for various purposes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Why should one use a Masked Aadhaar Card?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reasons <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to use a masked Aadhaar card instead of a regular Aadhaar card are as follows: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A masked Aadhaar card allows a user to partially mask his or her Aadhaar number <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be used in situations where the user does not want to reveal the Aadhaar card details <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A masked Aadhaar card can only be used by the Aadhaar cardholder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A masked Aadhaar card can be downloaded at any time, whereas a regular Aadhaar card must be obtained by visiting an Aadhaar enrolment centre\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It serves as proof of identity and can be used to complete a wide range of tasks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How can masked Aadhaar prevent misuse of the document?<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The masked Aadhaar can be used by cardholders as a form to meet the basic KYC requirements for various purposes like registering for mobile applications or private organizations or public organizations that do not need the complete Aadhaar Number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per the regulations of the UIDAI, only verified and licensed entities under UIDAI are allowed to collect and store the Aadhaar Card details of a person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, when any unlicensed or private organization (Hotels, Cinema Halls, etc.) requires a person to submit their Aadhaar for verification of their credentials or any other purpose, it is advisable to provide a masked Aadhaar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masked Aadhaar is a password-protected document that allows cardholders to restrict access to the same and thereby protect themselves from any fraud or wrong actions of miscreants. The password for the same is the first four letters of the cardholder\u2019s name in capital letters along with the year of birth in YYYY format.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above, a masked Aadhaar is a digital copy of the e-Aadhaar that is digitally signed by a competent authority of UIDAI. Such a copy is equally valid and authentic as the physical Aadhaar card.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes it authentic and at the same time prevents its misuse if it falls into the wrong hands. As per UIDAI, masked Aadhaar can be downloaded from the UIDAI website legally by selecting the masked Aadhar option at the time of downloading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When such masked Aadhar is shared with any third party, they will be able to see only the last four digits of the Aadhar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Benefits of Masked Aadhaar\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Enhanced Privacy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masked Aadhaar offers a layer of privacy by concealing the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number. This reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Reduced Identity Theft: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By masking the majority of the Aadhaar number, it becomes significantly more challenging for malicious actors to misuse the information for fraudulent activities, enhancing security.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Safe Document Sharing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When sharing an Aadhaar for KYC verification or other purposes, Masked Aadhaar ensures that your complete Aadhaar number is not exposed, minimizing the risk of misuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Compliance with Data Protection: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using Masked Aadhaar demonstrates compliance with data protection and privacy regulations, showcasing UIDAI&#8217;s commitment to safeguarding personal information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Preventing Unauthorized Access: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The concealment of the first 8 digits restricts access to the full Aadhaar identity, making it more challenging for unauthorized parties to gain access to your complete information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Secure Financial Transactions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masked Aadhaar can be used for various financial transactions, such as opening bank accounts or applying for loans, providing an extra layer of security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Widespread Acceptance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many organizations, both government and private, accept Masked Aadhaar for verification purposes, making it versatile and widely applicable.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Simplified Authentication: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For services that do not require the complete Aadhaar number, Masked Aadhaar simplifies the authentication process, reducing the chances of misuse or exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Control Over Personal Data: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Masked Aadhaar, you have greater control over your personal data. You can decide which version of your Aadhaar number to share based on the required level of security and privacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Where can you use Masked Aadhaar Card?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masked Aadhaar cards are the latest development from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and can be used for various purposes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One common use for a Masked Aadhaar Card is to open a bank account or apply for loans. Banks require individuals to provide proof of identity and address before they are allowed to open an account or take out a loan. The UIDAI has authorized banks to accept Masked Aadhaar cards instead of valid physical ID proofs like passports or driver&#8217;s licenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, people who don&#8217;t want other parties to see the full details on their Aadhaar card like for Aadhaar verification for employees can use this option instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Conclusion\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Aadhaar Card is a necessary identification document for all Indian citizens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the ability to reduce identity theft, enhance data security, and offer control over personal information, Masked Aadhaar is a welcome addition to the Aadhaar ecosystem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The masked Aadhaar card offers more robust security against identity theft and other fraudulent activities as it hides the first 8 eight digits of your Aadhaar card. As it contains all the other information that a regular Aadhaar card has along with UIDAI\u2019s signature, this variant of the Aadhaar card is as valid as a regular one which you can use not only as identity proof but also for eKYC purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an era where personal data security &amp; data privacy are paramount, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) brought forth the concept of &#8220;Masked Aadhaar.&#8221; This innovative feature offers a powerful way to enhance privacy and security for Aadhaar cardholders in India.\u00a0 Masked Aadhaar is a version of the regular Aadhaar card, where the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aadhar-image-masking"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1394"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1394\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1403,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1394\/revisions\/1403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackwizz.com\/knowledge-hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}