DNA DECODES: Solving Aadhaar puzzle – All you wanted to know

I've not done Aadhaar verification for my SIM. Will my number be invalid?

No, it will continue to be in service. SC order only prohibits issue of new SIM cards through Aadhaar eKYC authentication process. There has been no direction to deactivate the old mobile phones authenticated through Aadhaar or any other document.

I've purchased SIM using Aadhaar. Will I've to revalidate my KYC?

Only if you want the mobile player to delete your Aadhaar data, you may submit fresh documents for KYC.

I had linked my SIM to Aadhaar details. Will it be deactivated if I didn't submit fresh KYC details?

No. The service won't be disconnected at any point in time.

I had linked my SIM to Aadhaar. Will the telecom firm keep my data?

If any mobile user wishes to delink Aadhaar from existing mobile connection, they need to contact operator and provide other documents (voter ID, passport, PAN, driving licence) as prescribed under DoT guidelines.

[SC had asked UIDAI not to keep authentication logs for more than six months. The restriction is on UIDAI and not on the telecom companies. Therefore, there is no need for telecom companies to delete authentication logs unless desired by mobile users.]

Can I ask the telecom company to delete my Aadhaar data and submit other documents for verification?

Yes. If any mobile user wishes to delink their Aadhaar number from the existing mobile connection, they need to contact their operator and provide other documents prescribed as per Department of Telecommunications guidelines.

I want to buy a new SIM. Do I still need to submit Aadhaar?

Aadhaar remains a valid document for customer verification like other Govt authorised documents including passport, PAN, driving licence & Voter ID. However, while getting a new connection, no biometrics (real-time) authentication of subscriber details by UIDAI will be done.

NEW SIMS VIA APP

• The DoT and Aadhaar issuing UIDAI will roll out a digital process for issuing new SIM via a mobile app.
   
• This will be in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment in Aadhaar case.
   
• In this process, a live photograph of the person with latitude, longitude and time stamp will be captured. 
   
• Also photo of submitted ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID or others will be captured. 
   
• The SIM card agent will authenticate the process via an OTP and SIM issued.

Source: Cellular Operators Assn of India (COAI), Dept of Telecommunications (DoT) and UIDAI