How To lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometric details

The uneasiness around Aadhaar’s security is swelling day by day. Mountains of biometric data lie under the thumb of UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority of India, and its safety matters trouble us. To avert the clumsy use, and engage people's trust, UIDAI has been working on a noteworthy security measure.

Everyone's mindful of one truth. Their biometric data is in peril when it’s unprotected. This countermeasure against hacking and breaching attempts was described in a set of provisions and tweeted through UIDAI’s Twitter handle. The authorities let you fortify your biometric details using a lock if you don't expect any use in the near future. The necessary tool is found on UIDAI'S website - uidai.gov.in.

Authorities declare that this measure was cemented into place to preserve the privacy of the residents’ data. The moment your data is locked, misuse and mishandling will be automatically stifled, since it’ll be impossible to verify. We follow up with more details regarding its use below.

Visit the website, uidai.gov.in. The page contains three sections - Aadhaar enrollment, Aadhaar update, and Aadhaar services. Under the Aadhaar service section, the third entry affirms 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics.’ Click on this to open another page, which, once you scroll down, contains following:

Aadhaar number
Enter security code
Enter OTP.

Since you want to lock it, enter the unique 12 digit Aadhaar number in the relevant field. Copy the security code in the field below. A grey button placed at the bottom sends the OTP once you click on it. The process is carried out only through OTP (One-Time password) and your registered mobile number will receive the message. Beside the Aadhaar details, you’ll see a field labeled 'Enter OTP.’ Type out the password and click on 'Login.’

A basic thing not to forget is that your mobile number has to be registered with Aadhaar, otherwise the process is impossible. If it isn’t registered, please pay a visit to an Enrolment center.

Once inside, you’ll have to enter the password anew and click on 'Enable.’ Your biometrics are locked. Henceforth, for any service that requires authentication, Aadhaar cannot be used. In order to use it, you’ll have to unlock it, but that option has an interim window.

To unlock your biometrics, you’ll have to log in yet again. Enter the security code again and this time, click on 'Disable’.

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UIDAI cautions the holders who wish to make use of this feature to be circumspect in order to obviate the denial of Aadhaar based authentication services.

SEE ALSO: How to locate an Aadhaar enrolment center near you via online