What is Masked Aadhaar Card? Meaning, Uses & How to Download

Are you aware of the smart approach the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) developed in response to growing concerns around data security? We are discussing The Masked Aadhaar Card, one of the solutions developed by UIDAI in response to fraud and data theft. Let’s look into this in more detail: 

What is Masked Aadhaar Card? 

 A masked Aadhaar card is a version of an Aadhaar card that has the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number hidden or masked. This includes the first four numbers, a photo, and some demographic data. Aadhaar card masking is to safeguard one’s access to essential services and benefits provided by the government. Hiding the important data from the Aadhaar card helps to prevent possible theft and fraudulent activity. By doing so, individuals can continue to avail themselves of various services provided by the government. Since a masked Aadhaar card is approved by UIDAI, people can use this card instead of a regular Aadhaar card for a variety of purposes. This lowers the possibility of theft of one’s original Aadhaar card and ensures data security.

Why Should I Use a Masked Aadhaar?

Aadhaar masking online offers several advantages for security and privacy. Anyone can lawfully follow the procedure and get masked aadhaar card instead of a real Aadhaar card. The following justifies the benefits of getting a masked Aadhaar card: 

Privacy: By hiding the majority of your Aadhaar number, you may safeguard your data. Aadhaar card masking ensures privacy and access to personal data. With aadhaar masking online, the Aadhaar number remains confidential and avoids misuse or theft.  

Preventing theft: With the process of Aadhaar masking online, the chances of phishing, data leakage, or false identity theft are minimized. This additional layer of security reduces the possibility of data leakage and prevents various forms of cyber threats. 

Legality: The masked Aadhaar card maintains legality under Indian law, serving as a valid form of identification documentation. A person can lawfully use a masked Aadhaar card to obtain a variety of services since this is a legally approved document by UIDAI, except for government schemes and benefits. Hiding most of the Aadhaar number ensures protection against potential misuse or unauthorized access to personal data. 

Benefit of a Masked Aadhaar Card

Masked Aadhaar cards provide the benefit of data security. For legal purposes, the Aadhaar card is the identity evidence accepted nationwide. Several things are linked to an Aadhaar number. As the information may be misused to obtain personal information about an individual, a masked Aadhaar card ensures that private information is kept secret and safeguards one’s privacy. Using a masked Aadhaar card reduces the risk of fraud and identity theft. This is crucial when sharing personal information throughout the verification procedure. People can conduct transactions without worrying their identity will be used fraudulently by protecting their Aadhaar number.  

The Masked Aadhaar card is similar to the Aadhaar card which is valid for all verification needs. The card makes it convenient to opt for services across various platforms. Masked Aadhaar card proves flexible as it can be used for Aadhaar-based authentication and verification purposes by only revealing partial personal details.

Masked Aadhaar Vs Regular Aadhaar

Understanding the differences is crucial for individuals ensuring they choose the card that aligns best with their privacy preferences and requirements. Here are a few points of differences: 

How to Download a Masked Aadhaar card?

Understanding the data concerns, UIDAI has provided a straightforward method to download Masked Aadhaar card. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to download masked aadhaar card online:  

How to Download Masked Aadhaar Card Using an Aadhaar Number?

1. Visit the official UIDAI website   

2. Go to the Aadhaar Service section and select “Download Aadhaar” at the top of the page. 

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or the 28-digit Enrollment ID along with the security code. 

4. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number (Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar). You cannot download masked aadhaar without otp. 

5. Choose the option to download either – the Aadhaar or Masked Aadhaar. 

6. Select “Masked Aadhaar” and proceed. 

7. Get Masked Aadhaar which will be downloaded to your device. 

8. Alternatively, you can visit an Aadhaar enrollment center and get a masked Aadhaar card.

What is a Masked Aadhaar Password? 

To download masked Aadhaar card, you need a special password called a masked Aadhaar password. The card will ask for a password each time it is attempted to be opened. The person’s name and birthdate are used to generate this password. This is a combination of your birth year and the first four letters of your name.  

Example: Rajesh Sharma the name. 

Year of Birth: 1996 To read the document, you will have to enter the password RAJE1996. 

Conclusion

Your Aadhaar is an important document that holds personal details and your unique identity. Misusing or theft of that information can expose you to fraud, digital theft, and other risk. This masked Aadhaar ensures the security of your personal information and shields your Aadhaar number. In addition to being utilized for bank operations and verification, masked Aadhaar can be used to apply for unsecured loans in a matter of minutes. Just download the Zype app to get a 5 lakh personal loan on Aadhaar card. 

In final words, even though regular Aadhaar is a commonly used method of identification, using a Masked Aadhaar can be a wise choice to protect your data. 

Also Read: Personal Loan On Aadhaar Card