How Aadhaar Is Using AI and Machine Learning to Prevent Fraudulent Updates

Understanding the Fraud Challenge in Aadhaar Updates

UIDAI has identified misuse cases where individuals frequently update or manipulate their Aadhaar birth dates or biometric data—often to gain undue access to benefits, jobs, or schemes. To prevent exploitation, UIDAI is introducing stricter protocols and innovative technology controls

AI/ML Tools Deployed by UIDAI

Fingerprint Spoof‑Detection with FMR‑FIR

UIDAI’s in-house AI/ML system combines Finger Minutiae Record (FMR) and Finger Image Record (FIR) modalities to detect spoof fingerprints. It uses liveness detection to distinguish real prints from silicone casts or fake replicas

Facial Recognition & Deepfake Countermeasures

ML models are trained to flag suspicious facial data—static images, pre-recorded videos, or visually inconsistent inputs. Liveness detection prompts users to blink, smile or turn their heads to block deepfake attempts

AI‑Based Age Prediction & Birth Date Verification

AI tools analyze biometric and pattern anomalies to flag birth date change requests. These models also help in cross-validating against approved government documents and official state‑based databases

Limiting Biometric and Birth Date Changes

• UIDAI will enforce stricter rules around birth date updates, requiring only original government-issued birth certificates from approved sources, and linking with state-provided records
• Fingerprint updates will be limited for younger users, unless medically necessary; exceptions are being made for elderly applicants whose fingerprints may have degraded

Multilingual Voice Interaction & Fraud Alerts

Through a partnership with Sarvam AI since March 18, 2025, UIDAI has introduced AI-powered voice-based feedback and fraud alert systems in 10 major Indian languages (Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Malayalam). The system sends real-time alerts to Aadhaar holders if suspicious activity is detected during authentication or updating

Integration with Government Data Sources

To validate updates, UIDAI now cross-checks applications against multiple government databases such as PAN, CBSE mark‑sheets, MGNREGA records, and state birth registries. Only documents verifiable via approved state government systems (not third‑party certificates) will be accepted to prevent forged submissions

Benefits & Challenges

Benefits:

• Improved Aadhaar reliability and citizen trust.
• Reduced misuse of identity-linked benefits.
• Real-time fraud detection and preventive notices.

Challenges:

• Ensuring inclusivity for rural and less digitally literate populations.
• Managing false positives in voice‑or fraud detection models.
• Data privacy, particularly around biometric and voice data.

Summary

Aadhaar is strengthening its defenses against misuse by adopting AI and ML systems that analyze biometric patterns, detect spoofing, flag anomalous birth date updates, and integrate with government databases. With layered security protocols, real-time alerts, and step-wise limits on biometrics, UIDAI aims to make Aadhaar updates more secure, reliable, and transparent.