Aadhaar Goes Offline: 2 Offline Aadhaar KYC Tools To Verify It

Supreme Court’s strong verdict on Aadhaar and its usage have compelled the Govt. to promote and encourage offline methods for performing KYC.

We’ve come up with the two offline modes of doing Aadhaar based KYC, which is picking up momentum now, also Govt. is pushing them as well. As these methods don’t require biometric access to perform KYC these can be considered as the safest way to verify Aadhaar. 

KYC With Offline Aadhaar: Method #1QR Codes.

Are you aware of this type of KYC method? Yes! KYC can be done based on QR code; and Aadhaar information can be verified  without sharing any biometric details

How To Verify With QR Codes

In this method, the user will be required to download their QR codes from the UIDAI website. Now, based on the requirements, there are three types of QR Codes which can be downloaded: While two types of QR Codes have demographic details and photo, the other type of QR code has only demographics data.

These downloaded QR codes can be provided to the concerned parties who wish to perform the KYC, like banks, telecom operators etc.

They may have to download a QR Reader from the Internet, to access these QR Codes.

KYC With Offline Aadhaar: Method #2Paperless 2KYC Forms

This is the plain ol’ Aadhaar eKYC forms, which can be downloaded from the UIDAI website. Based on the requirements, the user can opt for the data which will be visible in these eKYC forms – There are mainly 5 options which can be downloaded.

• Name ( Mandatory)
• Address (Mandatory)
• Mobile number  (Optional)
• Date of birth  (Optional)
• Email Address  (Optional)
• Gender (Optional)

Once downloaded, these eKYC forms can be physically sent to the parties which want to authenticate your Aadhaar data.

Again, no biometric data is being shared, and the transfer of information is 100% offline, with no online element.

Why These Offline Aadhaar Authentication Methods Are Safe?

1. No Direct Access: Since the data is directly downloaded from the UIDAI website, there is no way 3rd party will need to access UIDAI servers to match the data. Hence, the authentication process is safe and secured.
2. No Direct Tracking: If you use these methods UIDAI won’t be able to know where and why the downloaded data (QR Codes, eKYC) is being used. It can be used for opening a new bank account or buying a new SIM. Hence, user privacy and user-data are safe.
3. No Storage of Personal Data: 3rd parties and private companies which are required to conduct KYC will no longer be able to store any Aadhaar data, at least digitally. Hence, another round of data protection.

As per reports coming in, Govt. is pushing and encouraging these two offline methods for Aadhaar based KYC, and very soon, they will become mainstream.

We will keep you updated, as more details come in.