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AadhaarIdentity in twelve digits

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The Digital World0059

Aadhaar

Identity in twelve digits

India's twelve-digit identity number, linked to fingerprints and iris.

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Aadhaar is a 12-digit number linked to your fingerprints and iris scan. It covers over 1.3 billion people. It is the largest biometric identity system ever built. Before Aadhaar, millions of Indians had no government-recognised proof of who they were. The number gives them access to bank accounts, subsidies, and services.

  • Aadhaar is not mandatory for all services, but it is required for filing taxes and opening bank accounts.
  • Your Aadhaar number is sensitive. Do not share it publicly. Treat it like a password.
SourceUIDAI official documentation
Nilekani, Rebooting India (2015)

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