Aadhaar Misuse Alert: Check Who Is Using Your Aadhaar and Biometrics—Verify Everything Online from Home

Aadhaar Misuse Alert: This facility provided by the UIDAI is available entirely online and can be accessed from anywhere using a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop.

Aadhaar Misuse Alert: In today’s times, the Aadhaar card has become an integral part of almost every essential activity in India. From banking services to government schemes and mobile SIM cards, Aadhaar is required everywhere. However, alongside its increasing usage, the risk of Aadhaar-related fraud and the misuse of biometric data has also risen.

To address this issue, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a special facility that allows any individual to view their Aadhaar Authentication History. This enables you to determine when, where, and for what purpose your Aadhaar was utilized.

How to Check Your Aadhaar Authentication History

This facility provided by the UIDAI is available entirely online and can be accessed from anywhere using a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop.

Step-by-Step Process

First, visit the ‘My Aadhaar’ portal.
Log in by entering your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Enter the OTP (One Time Password) sent to your registered mobile number.
Once logged in, click on the ‘Authentication History’ option.
Now, select a date range according to your preference. You can view records for up to the last 6 months.

Next, select the type of authentication, such as:

Biometric

OTP

Both

After filling in all the details, click on ‘Submit’.

Subsequently, a detailed report will appear on your screen, containing comprehensive information regarding the usage of your Aadhaar.

What Information Will the Report Contain?

The Authentication History report provides you with details regarding every verification linked to your Aadhaar. In this report, you can see the specific medium used to verify your Aadhaar—such as a fingerprint scan, iris scan, or OTP.

The exact date and time of the authentication.

Which entity—be it a bank, telecom company, or government department—utilized your Aadhaar.

Any specific record that you do not recognize. If any unfamiliar activity is detected, it could be an indication of potential fraud.

Enhance Security with the Biometric Lock Feature

UIDAI also provides users with the facility to lock their biometric data. This feature secures information related to fingerprints and irises, ensuring that no one can use it without your explicit permission. This facility is available on both the ‘My Aadhaar’ portal and the ‘mAadhaar’ app.

Once the biometric lock is enabled, no one will be able to perform fingerprint or iris authentication. When necessary, you can temporarily unlock it and then lock it again once your task is complete.

What to Do If You Spot Suspicious Activity?

If you notice an entry in your authentication history that you did not authorize, it is crucial to take immediate action.

Take These Steps Immediately:

Contact the UIDAI helpline number 1947 immediately.
File an online complaint through the UIDAI portal.
Immediately lock your biometric data.
Periodically check your authentication history.

Regular Checks Can Prevent Fraud

Monitoring information linked to your Aadhaar has become absolutely essential in today’s digital age. If you periodically check your authentication history and utilize features such as the biometric lock, you can significantly safeguard yourself against identity theft and data misuse. A little vigilance can play a major role in keeping your personal data secure.