What is Aadhaar Masking Solution?
Aadhaar and its regulations are governed by UIDAI. And as per UIDAI, Aadhaar masking solution refers to automatically covering the first eight digits of Aadhaar number – in physical or digital form. More precisely, Aadhaar masking refers to concealing the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar Number captured in Application forms and the Aadhaar Card copies (physical or digital) captured as part of proof of identity along with the Application.
What are the circulars pertaining to Aadhaar Masking?
You can refer to the following regulations with regards to Aadhaar masking.
UIDAI regulation on Aadhaar Masking dated 23 October 2018: Ordinance Aadhaar Amendment: F.No.13012/171/2018/Legal/UIDAI/114
RBI regulation on Aadhaar Masking: Master Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016 (Updated 29 May 2019): RBI/DBR/2015-16/18,Master Direction DBR.AML.BC.No.81/14.01.001/2015-16 AND Amendment to Master Direction (MD) on KYC: RBI/2018-19/190,DBR.AML.BC.No.39/14.01.001/2018-19
IRDAI regulation on Aadhaar Masking dated 29 January 2019: Allowing of Aadhaar Card as one of the acceptable documents for KYC- under certain conditions: Ref: IRDAI/SDD/Cl R/MISC/020/01/2019
SEBI regulation on Adhaar Masking dated 24 April 2020: Clarification on Know Your Client (KYC) Process andUse of Technology for KYC: Ref: SEBI/HO/MIRSD/DOP/CIR/P/202
When do I have to mask Aadhaar numbers?
As per regulations, you will have to mask Aadhaar preferably at the point of capture and certainly before storing them permanently in your downstream systems and databases.
Do I have to mask Aadhaar number in video?
Yes. If you are using services such as Video KYC or IPV/OSV/PIVC to onboard and verify customers, then you must redact the Aadhaar Number from the Aadhaar card shown in the video.
Learn more about Video Aadhaar Masking >
Can I store unmasked Aadhaar number in my database?
No. You as per regulations you cannot store the full Aadhaar Number in your downstream systems and databases. However, if you have an Aadhaar Vault system, you may store the full Aadhaar Number in your vault and then use a surrogate number in your downstream numbers. This would be same as the solution adopted by the industry to store Credit card numbers.
Do I have to mask historical Aadhaar images?
Yes. Every Aadhaar Card captured thus far need to be masked irrespective of the age of the application.
Can I use technology to mask Aadhaar numbers?
Yes. The good news is that the technology has advanced in recognizing the 12-digit Aadhaar numbers and therefore are able to do detect and mask Aadhaar numbers from images and videos accurately. In the master KYC directive published by RBI, the regulator recommends the use of AI technologies for such tasks.
Learn more about Aadhaar Masking Technology >
Learn more about image formats supported by Technology >
What image formats are supported for masking Aadhaar?
We support PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, BASE 64, Single or multiple pages and rotated images. Furthermore, we support masking images captured as photocopies, colour or greyscale images, front and back images on the same page, and any quality as long as there is an Aadhaar number visible to mask.
I am not a regulated entity; do I still have to mask Aadhaar Numbers?
Yes. Regardless of the industry you are in, you will have to mask/redact Aadhaar numbers as per current regulations. For instance, even if you are just a small start-up taking Aadhaar as proof of identity from employers, the same needs to be masked before filing and storage.
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In what ways can you mask Aadhaar images?
We can help you mask aadhaar in three simple ways: We help you mask Aadhaar images you capture from customers using our mobile SDK integrated into your own App (Android and iOS). We help you mask Aadhaar when users upload Aadhaar images as proof of ID on your web or mobile applications using our APIs and finally we help you mask all your historical Aadhaar images through batch jobs as a one-time step in your own servers.
How much does Aadhaar Masking cost?
Aadhaar masking pricing is based on your volumes as they are discounted at large volumes. The pricing also depends if you would like to deploy our Aadhaar masking solution on premises or use our secure cloud. But rest assured it is extremely low and affordable for anyone wanting to mask Aadhaar even at low volumes. If you are using our cloud services, we do not charge any set up fee or minimum commitment fees or hidden fees. We do not even ask you for any advance payments as credits. Instead, you will simply pay per transaction and have a post-paid monthly bill. Please talk to us once so we can get to know you better before we share the aadhaar masking pricing and provide you with free access to try our SDKs and APIs.
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FRSLABS is an award-winning research and development company specialising in customer onboarding, identity verification and fraud prevention solutions for businesses. Whether you are a big bank, insurance, telco or a small investment broker, we help you onboard and verify your customers with greater flexibility, compliance and reliability.
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