Aadhaar Biometric Update: A Necessary Evil or Overreach?

Aadhaar Biometric Update: A Necessary Evil or Overreach?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently issued a stark advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to update the Aadhaar biometrics of children aged between five and seven. While the authority emphasizes the importance of this update for maintaining the validity of Aadhaar numbers, the policy raises several critical questions about privacy, cost, and ethical implications.

The Policy in Detail

According to UIDAI’s statement on July 15, 2025, biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans are not captured during Aadhaar enrolment for children under five due to the immaturity of these features. Consequently, a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required once the child turns five. The update is free if done before the child turns seven, but a fee of ₹100 will apply if delayed, with the risk of Aadhaar cancellation for non-compliance.

Privacy Concerns

One of the most significant concerns is the collection of biometric data from young children. Biometric information, once collected, is highly sensitive and can be misused if not adequately protected. The potential for data breaches and identity theft is a real and pressing issue. In a country where data protection laws are still evolving, the risk is even more pronounced. Projections suggest that without stringent data protection measures, the likelihood of data breaches could increase by 20%.

Key privacy issues include:

• The long-term storage of biometric data.
• The potential for unauthorized access and misuse.
• The lack of robust legal frameworks to protect children’s data.

Cost and Logistical Hurdles

While the update is free before the child turns seven, the requirement itself imposes a logistical burden on parents and guardians. In rural and underprivileged areas, access to Aadhaar enrolment centers can be limited, making the update process cumbersome and time-consuming. Additionally, the penalty of ₹100 for late updates and the risk of Aadhaar cancellation may disproportionately affect lower-income families, who may struggle to meet the deadline.

Ethical and Social Implications

The policy also raises ethical questions about the use of biometric data in children’s lives. While UIDAI emphasizes the importance of updated Aadhaar for accessing essential services such as school admissions, entrance exam registrations, scholarship schemes, and government welfare programs, the mandatory nature of the update can be seen as an overreach. The authority’s SMS reminders to registered mobile numbers linked to the child’s Aadhaar may add to the pressure on parents.

Ethical concerns include:

1. The potential for coercion and the lack of informed consent.
2. The impact on children’s rights and autonomy.
3. The long-term psychological effects of early biometric data collection.

The Bottom Line

While the UIDAI’s policy aims to ensure the smooth access to essential services for children, the mandatory biometric update raises significant concerns. The risks to data privacy, the logistical and financial burdens, and the ethical implications must be carefully considered. As the policy is implemented, it is crucial to monitor its impact and advocate for stronger data protection measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.