AADHAAR is gradually becoming the “Most Important” digital identity (like a social security number in US) for the citizens of India. It is considered to be more important than any other identities such as Passport, Driving License, PAN card etc. as it is being recognized as the “Mandatory” proof for the authenticity of an Indian citizen, for all the Govt. as well as private transactions, starting from availing the subsidized residential gas benefits to operating a trading account or even getting a Passport.
Because of this, the secured accessibility & immutability of that digital identity is very critical. The AADHAR card once issued to a citizen should not be subjected to change especially in terms of AADHAAR number, name of the person etc.; Any compromise on AADHAR can lead to problems related to mistaken identity.
Storing AADHAAR information in a Blockchain platform is a natural choice , as Blockchain offers "Cryptographically" secured decentralized storage and facilitates immutable transactions. This secured digital identity can be made available in a secured manner so that it can be referred by all the systems of Govt. bodies and trusted private Enterprises to verify the identity of a citizen.
In case if any changes are need to happen to some of the attributes of an AADHAAR identity , such as address change, it can happen as a new transaction which is again immutable, and this proof of address change will remain for ever so that at any given point of time, a citizen’s history of his residences / stay can be verified easily, ensuring it is not tampered in between for any mischievous activities.
For this purpose, the Govt can have its own private Blockchain , which can be accessed by authorized agencies in secured manner. Various Govt bodies can form a consortium around this private Blockchain so that their systems can interact with it in a secured manner.
It can be used for all Govt transactions such as Land title change, issuing of driving license, Passport and for all other Govt benefits schemes.
With AADHAAR on Blockchain, it can prevent the emerging security issues such as listed below :
- Bengaluru-based IT professional booked for illegally accessing Aadhaar database
- Probe against 3 firms for illegal use of Aadhaar biometrics
Blockchain can also be used as a “Secured” Digital Locker for citizen’s important documents such as birth certificates, school certificates, college degree certificates etc. since these documents are one time generated and to be kept tamper proof in future for any future references.
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