The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently introduced an innovative technology-based Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality. This AI/ML-based system aims to enhance the security measures within Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) to combat fraudulent activities such as misusage of cloned fingerprints.
Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) Modality Explained
The FMR-FIR modality is a progressive AI/ML technology developed by UIDAI. It features hybrid authentication, combines the analysis of finger minutiae and finger image, thereby establishing the authenticity of fingerprint biometrics during Aadhaar authentication. The technology is primarily designed to assess the liveness of the captured fingerprint. This differentiation capability helps prevent any spoof attempts by recognizing genuine live fingers from cloned or fake ones. The operation of FMR-FIR is real-time, facilitating instant verification during the authentication. Fraud prevention is a significant attribute of this technology as it nips any use of cloned fingerprints in the bud effectively reducing the risk of AePS frauds.
The Need for FMR-FIR: Addressing Emerging Threats
With the increasing trend of payment-related frauds, a rise from over 700,000 reported cases in FY21 to 20 million in FY23 in India, and acknowledging the unreported ones due to lack of awareness about cyber frauds, a potent solution was critical. Fraudulent activities involving cloned fingerprints posed a significant threat to AePS transactions. Moreover, instances of unauthorized money transfers through fake fingerprints created using silicone substantiated this need even further. As a result, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies was realized to bolster the accuracy and effectiveness of fingerprint authentication.
The Impact of Implementation
The introduction of UIDAI’s FMR-FIR technology has several implications, including enhanced security, decreased vulnerabilities, increased transaction confidence, and the representation of technological innovation for societal welfare.
About Unique Identification Authority of India
The UIDAI, established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on 12th July 2016, and was initially set up in January 2009. Operating under the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI’s primary mandate is to assign a 12-digit unique identification (UID) number or Aadhaar to all residents of India. As of 31st October 2021, UIDAI has issued 131.68 crore Aadhaar numbers.
Understanding AePS
Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) is an online interoperable financial transaction system at Point of Sale (PoS) or micro-ATMs managed by the bank’s Business Correspondent (BC). It was introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), a joint venture of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). The primary purpose of AePS is to provide easy and secure access to banking services, particularly for the poor and marginalized sections of society in rural and remote areas. It eliminates the requirement for OTPs, bank account details, and other financial information, enabling transactions using just the bank name, Aadhaar number, and captured fingerprint during Aadhaar enrollment.