# Security & Privacy

> Aadhaar security tools - Virtual ID, masked Aadhaar, biometric lock, offline e-KYC - and practical steps to avoid Aadhaar-related fraud.

Canonical page: https://eaadhaarinfo.com/security-privacy

Important: eAadhaar Info is an independent reference publication. It is not UIDAI or a Government of India website. For transactions, current rules and final verification, use the official UIDAI or myAadhaar service linked by the article.

## Safer ways to prove identity

Tool | What it does | When it helps |

Virtual ID (VID) | A revocable 16-digit number usable in place of the Aadhaar number for supported authentication/e-KYC | When a service supports VID and does not need your permanent Aadhaar number. |
Masked Aadhaar | Shows only the last four Aadhaar digits | For many document-copy situations where the full number is unnecessary. |
Offline e-KYC XML | Digitally signed demographic data with a reference ID rather than the Aadhaar number | For offline verification by a service provider that supports it. |
Aadhaar App verifiable credential | Lets the holder selectively show/share a verifiable credential | For supported in-person or digital verification. |

## Controls worth using

- Lock biometrics when you are not using fingerprint, iris or face authentication; temporarily unlock when needed.
- Check authentication history for unfamiliar activity.
- Lock the Aadhaar number where appropriate; authentication using VID can remain available under UIDAI’s rules.
- Never share OTPs, app PINs, full XML/share codes or downloaded Aadhaar files with an unsolicited caller.

## If you suspect misuse

Open [UIDAI’s homepage](https://uidai.gov.in/en) → My Aadhaar → Aadhaar Services to lock/unlock and review history, or use myAadhaar directly. For a complaint, call 1947 or choose Contact & Support → Grievance Redressal Mechanism . For UIDAI’s website privacy policy, choose Privacy Policy in the footer; UIDAI’s published privacy-policy deep link currently returns 404.

## Official sources

- [UIDAI homepage (My Aadhaar → Aadhaar Services)](https://uidai.gov.in/en)
- [UIDAI — Paperless Offline e-KYC service](https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/offline-ekyc)
- [UIDAI homepage (My Aadhaar → About your Aadhaar)](https://uidai.gov.in/en)
- [UIDAI homepage (Contact & Support → Grievance Redressal Mechanism)](https://uidai.gov.in/en)

LAST EDITORIAL REVIEW · 26 AUG 2026

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