Why should UIDAI include face recognition?
Posted on: 25/Aug/2018 6:39:58 PM
There is a new way of authentication included in the Aadhar card which is face recognition. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently included this kind of authentication. In addition to the fingerprint identification and OTP system, the telecom companies are instructed to include face recognition as additional way of authentication so as to enhance safety and security, says a UIDAI circular rolled out on 17th Augusts. The new feature gets mandatory from 15th September.
Why are telecoms in specific ordered to include face recognition?
All the authentication user agencies (AUA) like banks, public distribution channel, IT authorities, etc. were instructed for including facial recognition to their devices by July 2018. The deadline is however not met by the AUAs. As telecom companies stand as outside agent to perform the authentication, UIDAI is set to kick-start with them and then migrate to the others.
The technology
Considering UIDAI, there is always the possibility of enhancing photograph of Aadhar for verifying the Aadhar number of the respective user. The cameras built in to the laptop or mobiles can be sufficient for this purpose and doesn’t involve the need for changing with the help of hardware.
Is it foolproof to use matching Aadhar?
It will not be the only way of authenticating a user’s id. However, UIDAI strives to get into a two or three level identification mode. For example, when there is a failure of fingerprint, the authentication can be done through face recognition and OTP.
Why is there a lag among the other AUAs?
There are of course, logical reasons for the delay. To enable this technology, the face modality has to be integrated by associating with the biometric device providers. A standalone registered device is to be provided whenever needed. There are also software development kits provided by the UIDAI. With this, face recognition, liveness verification and digital signing, etc. can be possible.
