What Is Virtual ID and How to Generate one?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number that may be obtained freely by Indian citizens and permanent foreign nationals who have spent more than 182 days in the twelve months before the date of application for registration, based on biometric and demographic data.
So, what is virtual ID, and how to perform vid generation?
According to the circular issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a Virtual ID is a 16-digit exchangeable number mapped to your Aadhaar number.
To perform the process of VID generation, customers must use a Virtual ID instead of the Aadhaar number.
While it is essential to ensure that Aadhaar holders use their identity to avail of a product or service, the storage of Aadhaar numbers by various private players and entities has raised issues regarding the Right To Privacy.
How To Generate Virtual ID using Aadhaar?
Any Aadhaar holder can log onto the UIDAI website for VID generation. The VID generated is valid for a defined period or until the user decides to change it.
Users can undertake VID generation as per their requirements. A new Virtual ID cancels the old one once generated. You can also generate/replace VIDs on the Aadhaar mobile app and at enrolment centers.
To carry out the VID generation process, follow these steps:
- Go to the Unique Identification Authority of India website (UIDAI)
- On the main page, you will find Aadhaar services. Here you will see the ‘Virtual ID (VID) Generator.’
- Click on ‘Virtual ID Generator’
- Enter your Aadhaar Number to get a one-time password (OTP)
- Enter OTP and click ‘Generate VID’ for VID generation.
Any Aadhaar holder can complete VID generation just by following these steps.
How Does Virtual ID Work?
The random number mapped to your Aadhaar number is the Virtual ID number. This number is a substitute for providing your Aadhaar number, which may lead to privacy concerns.
Note- Linking Mobile number with your Aadhaar number is mandatory to generate Virtual ID.
For instance, once you give your Virtual ID to an authentication agency (Government agencies and telecom companies) for VID generation, they will enter it into the system and receive a UIDAI token. Your demographic details, such as name, phone number, and address, are authenticated using the UIDAI token generated.
Thus, these agencies will now be able to authenticate you for VID generation without seeing your Aadhaar number.
Why Is Two-Tier Security Required For Aadhaar?
The security of Aadhaar data has been a subject of debate ever since the UPA government floated the idea. Meanwhile, repeated allegations of leaks have eroded public confidence.
The limited KYC system and the VID might go a long way in alleviating the nation’s doubts.
To counter the problems surrounding Aadhaar data leaks and increase security, Virtual ID attempts to add an extra layer of protection. While essential, additional security makes it difficult for authenticating agencies to access your Aadhaar number.
Virtual IDs and UID tokens created via VID generation and received by the agency confirm the mapping of one’s Aadhaar number.
Each agency is provided with a Unique Identification Token to facilitate their services. This token helps them validate the required Aadhaar number securely & quickly.
Are Virtual IDs Secure?
In December 2022, the Indian Express reported that the Haryana Police’s Crime Branch had raised a red flag over the Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AEPS).
The police claimed that cyber criminals were committing financial fraud by siphoning people’s critical data from the system and copying the fingerprints on the government website. The Crime Branch’s cyber unit has investigated over 400 allegations involving AEPS-related cyber fraud.
According to reports, fraudsters replicate thumb imprints on butter paper from multiple websites to make duplicate silicon thumbs. Next, they check for any bank accounts connected to the Aadhaar number. Fraudsters then choose the Aadhaar card-linked bank account numbers and open online accounts on any platform using forged documents.
After creating an online account, they connect to any electronic transaction processing platform app to begin transactions using the biometric device and the cloned rubber fingerprint.
To counter the problems surrounding Aadhaar data leaks and increase security, Virtual ID and VID generation attempt to add an extra layer of protection by making it difficult for agencies to access your Aadhaar number.
Here’s what makes Virtual IDs and VID generation secure –
- The fact that Virtual IDs are temporary and revocable 16-digit random numbers is a significant feature.
- It prevents agencies or organizations from keeping Aadhaar data and denies these agencies access to your Aadhaar number.
- Each agency has a unique identification token, allowing them to sell items with Aadhaar numbers to validate their services.
- Only Aadhaar cardholders would be able to create Virtual IDs. No one else, including the authentication agency, may generate a Virtual ID on the Aadhaar holder’s behalf.
- Because the VID generation process is transient, agencies cannot utilize it for duplication.
- At any moment, an Aadhaar number will have only one active and legally valid VID after the procedure of VID generation is carried out.
- The last digit in a Virtual ID is a checksum validated during entry to ensure that the ID is correct. VID employs the Verhoeff algorithm to ensure that clients do not make data entry mistakes.
SignDesk’s Solutions for Aadhaar and Virtual IDs
In defining its prominence, adaptability, and availability, Virtuals IDs seem more secure. The UIDAI has started accepting VIDs shortly and may make it mandatory for agencies to begin receiving Virtual IDs by June 1, 2018.
SignDesk’s Aadhaar-based document workflow solution can help your organization with VID generation. Choose to eSign your papers in as few as three steps to save money and increase productivity. Improve operational efficiency and sales using a legally authorized and secure workflow solution.
Empower your business with the simplicity and security of SignDesk’s Aadhaar-based solutions. Whether streamlining processes with Aadhaar e-signatures, ensuring compliance through Udyog Aadhaar verification API, or enhancing security with Aadhaar card verification, SignDesk is your partner in efficiency.
It’s never been easier to send documents for eSign. Upload documents and add as many signers as you like with reminders. Use your Aadhaar-registered cellphone to create Aadhaar-based eSignatures. You can also pay stamp duty and get documents eStamped online. Finally, leverage rapid payment options using eNach eMandates to automate recurring payments and set up auto-debits.
Have you created your Virtual Id number yet? Drop your comment if you find any problem with your VID generation.