In an era where data privacy is paramount, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the concept of Masked Aadhaar Card. This version of the Aadhaar card aims to address privacy concerns by obscuring the full Aadhaar number while maintaining its functionality as a valid identification document.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Masked Aadhaar, including its features, benefits, and how to obtain one.
A Masked Aadhaar card is a variation of the traditional Aadhaar card where only the last four digits of the 12-digit Aadhaar number are visible. The remaining digits are obscured to protect the user’s privacy. Along with the masked number, this card displays the user’s demographic information, photograph, and QR code. It provides a way to use Aadhaar for various services without exposing the full number.
The Masked Aadhaar card enhances data privacy by allowing you to use it for e-KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes without revealing the full Aadhaar number.
Even with a masked number, this Aadhaar card serves as valid proof of identity for all official purposes, following UIDAI regulations.
Individuals with a valid Aadhaar number can download their Masked Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website.
The e-Aadhaar PDFs are password-protected for added security. The password format combines the first four letters of the user’s name (as per Aadhaar) and their year of birth.
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To download a Masked Aadhaar card, follow these steps:
The downloaded Masked Aadhaar card is secured with an 8-digit password. The format of the password is:
For example:
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While both types of Aadhaar cards serve the same purpose, the primary difference is:
| Masked Aadhaar Card vs Regular Aadhaar Card | ||
| Features | Masked Aadhaar | Regular Aadhaar |
| Aadhaar Number Visibility | The first 8 digits are masked, and the last 4 digits are visible. | The entire 12-digit Aadhaar number is visible. |
| Usage for Government Schemes | Not acceptable. | Acceptable. |
| Download Option | Available in e-Aadhaar format. | Available in both physical and e-Aadhaar formats. |
| Validity | As valid as a regular Aadhaar. | It is legally valid across India. |
Masked Aadhaar reduces the risk of misuse or unauthorized access to your full Aadhaar number.
It gives you more control over your personal information, especially in situations where only partial identification is needed.
By masking of your Aadhaar number, it becomes more difficult for fraudsters to create fake Aadhaar numbers or impersonate individuals.
The Masked Aadhaar card provides a convenient way to prove identity without carrying a physical card with a visible full number.
Masked Aadhaar is an effective solution for enhancing privacy and security while using Aadhaar for various services. By masking the Aadhaar number and protecting the document with a password, it ensures that users can maintain control over their personal data. Whether for online services or offline verification, Masked Aadhaar offers a balanced approach to identity verification.
Masked Aadhaar is a version of the Aadhaar card where only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number are visible, providing enhanced privacy and security.
You can download the latest version of your Masked Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website by following the specified steps and verifying with an OTP.
Yes, Masked Aadhaar is legally valid and can be used as a proof of identity for various official and personal purposes.
The Masked Aadhaar PDF is password-protected. The password format includes the first four letters of your name (as per Aadhaar) and your year of birth.
Benefits include enhanced security, better privacy control, reduced fraud risk, and convenience in carrying a card with masked information.
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