Is Masked Aadhaar Valid or Legal – A Complete Guide

Aadhaar, India’s unique identification system, has become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s used for various purposes, from availing government services to opening bank accounts and even as a proof of identity. With growing concerns about privacy and data security, the concept of a “Masked Aadhaar” has gained popularity. But what exactly is a masked Aadhaar, and is it valid? In this article, we will explore the concept of masked Aadhaar, its validity, and how it can be used.

What is Masked Aadhaar?

Masked Aadhaar is a term that refers to an Aadhaar card with partially hidden personal information. It allows you to share your Aadhaar for verification without revealing sensitive details. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to provide your Aadhaar number but want to protect your privacy.

A masked Aadhaar card provides limited information, with some of the digits in your Aadhaar number replaced by “X.” For example, a masked Aadhaar might look like “XXXX XXXX 1234” instead of the full 12-digit number. Additionally, it masks your photograph. The masked Aadhaar card will also display a QR code that can be scanned for quick verification, making it a convenient and secure way to share your Aadhaar.

Is Masked Aadhaar Valid?

• Identity Verification: The first question that often arises is whether a masked Aadhaar is valid for identity verification. The answer is yes, it is indeed valid. When you need to prove your identity for various services like opening a bank account or getting a new SIM card, a masked Aadhaar card can be used without any issues. The last four digits of your Aadhaar number are sufficient for such verification purposes.
• E-KYC Services: Many services and organizations rely on Aadhaar for electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification. The good news is that masked Aadhaar is valid for e-KYC as well. The masked version contains all the necessary information for such verifications, and businesses and government agencies are legally bound to accept it.
• Income Tax Filing: Masked Aadhaar is also considered valid for income tax filing. The last four digits are sufficient for the Income Tax Department to link your Aadhaar with your PAN (Permanent Account Number). So, whether you’re e-filing your taxes or conducting any other tax-related activities, you can use a masked Aadhaar.
• Government Subsidies and Benefits: If you’re receiving government subsidies or benefits, you may need to provide your Aadhaar for verification. A masked Aadhaar card can be used for this purpose as well. It ensures that you receive your entitled benefits without revealing your full Aadhaar number.
• Biometric Authentication: For biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scans, you would still need to provide your full Aadhaar details. Masked Aadhaar doesn’t change the way you authenticate yourself using biometric data.
• Aadhaar OTP Services: When you receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number for Aadhaar-related services, it doesn’t require you to reveal your full Aadhaar number. The OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, ensuring privacy and security.

Also Read: How to Stop OTP/SMS Bombing: Tips to Protect Your Mobile Number

Is Masked Aadhaar legal?

Yes, Of course, masked Aadhaar is legal in India. It was introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2017 as a way to help people protect their privacy and security when sharing their Aadhaar details.

Masked Aadhaar is accepted by most private entities, such as banks, mobile operators, and insurance companies. You can use it to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or get a SIM card. However, you cannot use it to avail government subsidies or benefits, as these require your full Aadhaar number.

The Supreme Court of India has also upheld the legality of masked Aadhaar. In 2018, the court ruled that the UIDAI is entitled to provide masked Aadhaar to Aadhaar holders.

Therefore, you can be assured that masked Aadhaar is a legal and valid way to share your Aadhaar details while protecting your privacy and security.

Benefits of a Masked Aadhaar

• Enhanced Privacy: With a masked Aadhaar, your full Aadhaar number is not visible, which adds an extra layer of privacy and security. This reduces the risk of identity theft and misuse of your Aadhaar number.
• Reduces Personal Data Exposure: Using a masked Aadhaar can help you limit the exposure of your personal information when sharing it with third parties.
• Easier Verification: A masked Aadhaar can be quickly verified electronically, making it a convenient option for e-KYC services.

Masked Aadhaar Limitations:

While masked Aadhaar offers significant privacy benefits, it does come with some limitations:

• Not Widely Accepted: Not all service providers are familiar with or prepared to accept masked Aadhaar. You may encounter resistance when trying to use it for certain transactions.
• Limited Information: Some services may require your full Aadhaar number, which a masked Aadhaar does not provide. In such cases, you may need to use your regular Aadhaar card.
• Cannot be Used for Biometric Authentication: For services that require biometric authentication, a masked Aadhaar may not be sufficient. You would need to use your regular Aadhaar for such cases.

Where We Can Not Use Masked Aadhaar Card

You cannot use a masked Aadhaar card for the following:

1. Availing government subsidies or benefits
2. Opening a new bank account with a public sector bank
3. Filing income tax returns
4. Applying for a passport
5. Applying for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
6. Applying for a driver’s license
7. Applying for a vehicle registration certificate
8. Applying for a property registration card
9. Linking your Aadhaar card with your voter ID card
10. Linking your Aadhaar card with your bank account
11. Linking your Aadhaar card with your mobile phone number

In general, you cannot use a masked Aadhaar card for any purpose that requires you to submit your full Aadhaar number.

Here are some examples of situations where you cannot use a masked Aadhaar card:

• When applying for a loan from a public sector bank, the bank will require you to submit your full Aadhaar number.
• When filing your income tax returns online, you will need to enter your full Aadhaar number.
• When applying for a passport online, you will need to enter your full Aadhaar number.
• When applying for a PAN card online, you will need to enter your full Aadhaar number.
• When applying for a driver’s license online, you will need to enter your full Aadhaar number.

How to Get a Masked Aadhaar?

If you want to obtain a masked Aadhaar, you can do so by following these simple steps:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website.
2. Click on the “Order Aadhaar Reprint” option.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number or VID (Virtual ID) and the security code.
4. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
5. Once verified, you can select the “Masked Aadhaar” option while ordering a reprint.
6. Pay the nominal fee (if applicable), and your masked Aadhaar will be sent to your registered address.

Remember that the masked Aadhaar is sent in a laminated form, just like a regular Aadhaar card. It will display the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, a masked photograph, and the QR code for easy verification.

To Sum up

n conclusion, a masked Aadhaar is indeed valid for most purposes, including identity verification, e-KYC, income tax filing, government subsidies, and OTP services. It offers an added layer of privacy and security by revealing only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number while protecting the rest.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that while masked Aadhaar is valid for most purposes, some services or organizations might still ask for the full Aadhaar number, especially for biometric authentication. Always check the specific requirements of the service provider or organization to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

With masked Aadhaar, you can enjoy the convenience and security of Aadhaar while protecting your personal information from unauthorized access and potential misuse. It’s a step in the right direction towards safeguarding your identity in the digital age.

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