In a major step to protect the integrity of India’s digital identity framework, the government has carried out a large-scale clean-up of the Aadhaar database to prevent misuse and fraud.
Unique Identification Authority of India has deactivated more than 2.5 crore Aadhaar numbers linked to deceased individuals as part of a nationwide verification drive. The government informed Parliament that the move is aimed at curbing identity-related fraud and unauthorised access to welfare benefits.
Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada said the exercise is focused on maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the Aadhaar ecosystem. He noted that Aadhaar continues to be the world’s largest biometric identity system, with around 134 crore active Aadhaar holders.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Prasada said, “As part of a nationwide clean-up effort to maintain the continued accuracy and integrity of the Aadhaar database, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated more than 2.5 crore Aadhaar numbers of deceased persons till date.” He added, “In case of the death of a person, it is essential that his or her Aadhaar number is deactivated to prevent potential identity fraud, or unauthorised usage of such Aadhaar number for availing welfare benefit.”
The minister also highlighted several technology-driven steps introduced to strengthen identity verification and ensure leak-proof delivery of benefits. These include the biometric lock and unlock facility, which allows Aadhaar holders to secure their biometric data and block unauthorized authentication attempts.
Prasada said that “Face Authentication” has been rolled out with a ‘Liveness Detection feature’ to prevent spoofing and confirm the physical presence of beneficiaries during authentication-based transactions. This feature is aimed at improving trust and security in identity verification.
In addition, the government is promoting the use of Aadhaar Secure QR Code, Aadhaar paperless offline e-KYC, e-Aadhaar, and Aadhaar verifiable credentials. These tools enable secure offline identity verification without sharing sensitive personal data.
According to the minister, these measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen trust in digital identity systems, prevent misuse, and ensure targeted and transparent delivery of welfare schemes across the country.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
