UIDAI launched new face authentication technology and a secure testing platform, strengthening Aadhaar-based digital identity verification, eKYC and mobile onboarding nationwide.

BulletsIn

• UIDAI launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox on September 9, 2026, during Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai.
• The SDK enables Aadhaar-based face authentication directly within Android and iOS applications, removing the need to shift users between separate applications.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based liveness detection, anti-spoofing checks and encryption protocols provide stronger security using standard consumer smartphones.
• The Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox allows banks and fintech companies to test onboarding journeys, authentication processes and failure scenarios within a controlled environment.
• UIDAI also released the Playbook on Ease of Onboarding to support financial sectors using Aadhaar-based digital onboarding and identity verification systems.
• Partner institutions can process Aadhaar face authentications locally through their own servers, potentially reducing dependence on external systems during authentication operations.
• Daily Aadhaar authentications have reached around 10 crore transactions, while infrastructure is being expanded to handle 25 crore to 30 crore transactions daily.
• More than 600 entities use the Aadhaar authentication platform, while the official Aadhaar application has recorded nearly 6 crore downloads.
• Face authentication expands Aadhaar’s biometric capabilities alongside fingerprint, iris and facial-image based identity verification methods for different use cases.
• The new developer infrastructure could accelerate secure digital onboarding across banking, fintech and other services requiring Aadhaar-based identity authentication.
• The initiative reflects UIDAI’s focus on scalable digital infrastructure, secure biometric technology and seamless authentication experiences across mobile-based financial services.
• The expanded authentication ecosystem could support wider adoption of Aadhaar-based eKYC while improving convenience and operational efficiency for participating institutions.