With convenience, comes the responsibility too. Aadhar card is one unique document which contains key biometric information like fingerprints and iris scan and KYC details of the individuals. With it applicable all over, there is no need of using any other identification documents like PAN card, driving license etc. However, it is very important to protect one’s data from any leak else you could be in a bad situation.
Would you ever share your email password with any third person? No, right? Similarly, can you risk sharing your sensitive personal information with anyone else? With cybercrime on an all-time high, it is very important to protect one’s Aadhar card from being leaked. UIDAI allows one to lock the data to avoid any misuse.
HOW TO LOCK DATA ON AADHAR CARD?
Prevention is better than cure. This saying goes perfectly here as well. Although the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has upheld the safety of the core biometric database but there is never any harm in safeguarding your personal information on Aadhar. To lock the data on the Aadhar card, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the link https://resident.uidai.gov.in/biometric-lock. You may directly reach the link through the UIDAI homepage.
- From under the ‘Aadhar Card Services’ drop-down menu, click on the ‘Lock/Unlock’ option.
- Enter your 12 digits unique Aadhar number.
- Enter the captcha or security code on the screen to confirm your identity.
- A one-time password (OTP) will be sent as a text message on the registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP. Also, enter the security key.
- You will be directed to a link where you will be given an option to enable biometric locking.
- Click on ‘Enable Option’. The biometric information in your Aadhar card will get locked.
By locking your Aadhar information, you are safe from any leakage or misuse of your Aadhar Card. You can unlock the card if you wish by receiving an OTP on your phone. While your Aadhar card is locked, you won’t be able to use your biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) for authentication purpose and some of the bank transactions may fail as they will not able to access the biometric details.
HOW TO UNLOCK THE INFORMATION ON YOUR AADHAR CARD?
Locking the biometric details is a wise decision to secure your identity. However, you may want to unlock the Aadhar information. And to do so, you need to visit the UIDAI website and disable the biometric locking. The biometric details will be accessible for 10 minutes only and will get locked again post that.
Aadhar is a unique identification document. One may not feel the threat or need to lock the biometric details and personal information, but locking your Aadhar card puts you in a safe zone. It will prevent any misuse by any person with any bad intention. It ensures safeguarding your identity from theft. It is locking your precious information in a locker like we safeguard our precious jewellery into bank lockers to prevent any thefts.
Locking your Aadhar card is a personal decision. There is no provision provided to surrender or cancel the Aadhar once issued. If there is any death in the family and the deceased had an Aadhar card, it is advisable to lock their Aadhar credentials so that it cannot be misused by anyone ever. There is no need of putting it into the knowledge of UIDAI. You can simply lock the Aadhar details by following the steps mentioned above. Be a smart citizen and uphold the responsibility of your personal information.
