New Delhi: The UIDAI has temporarily barred Bharti Airtel and Airtel Payments Bank from conducting Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process as well as eKYC of payments bank clients.
The action follows allegations of Bharti Airtel using the Aadhaar-eKYC based SIM verification process to open payments bank accounts of its subscribers without their ‘‘informed consent’. UIDAI also took objection to charges that such payments bank accounts are being linked to receive LPG subsidy.
UIDAI suspended eKYC licence key of Bharti Airtel and Airtel Payment Bank Ltd with immediate effect, sources with direct knowledge of the development said. This means Airtel would not be able to, in the interim, carry out ‘‘electronic-verification’’ or link mobile SIMs of its customers with their 12-digit biometric national ID Aadhaar though the efficient and paperless eKYC (or electronic Know Your Customer) process of UIDAI.
Also, Airtel Payments Bank will not be able to open a new account with Aadhaar eKYC. However, accounts can be opened through alternate methods, if available.
When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson said: ‘‘We can confirm that we have received interim order from the UIDAI regarding temporary suspension of Aadhaar linked eKYC services till their satisfaction on certain processes relating to Airtel
payment banks onboarding of customers.’’
PTI