Tweak systems for use of virtual IDs, telcos told

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 13

The government has instructed telecom operators to tweak their systems and networks to enable use of virtual IDs in lieu of Aadhaar number and migrate to the ‘limited KYC’ mechanism for mobile subscribers. The latest move is in line with the ensuing implementation of the new Virtual ID system from July 1, which users can quote instead of their Aadhaar number. The Virtual ID system — a random 16-digit number mapped to a person’s Aadhaar number — is scheduled to be fully operational from next month.

It aims to strengthen the privacy and security of Aadhaar data amid heightened concerns about the collection and storage of personal and demographic information of individuals.

It further said licensees should “give the option to subscribers of feeding either Aadhaar number or Virtual ID” as per the individual’s choice but the operators will be required to display the numbers in “masked form” at the point of sale terminal and ensure that none of these numbers is stored in their own system.