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Nowadays Aadhaar card is being used everywhere. But have you ever thought how dangerous it can be if your Aadhaar details fall into the wrong hands? We keep hearing cases of Aadhaar-related fraud every day. Therefore, to avoid falling prey to fraudsters, people should use Masked Aadhaar instead of regular Aadhaar. But according to a report by PWC, about 73% of Indians are not aware of 'Masked Aadhaar'.

What is Masked Aadhaar?

Let us tell you that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced 'Masked Aadhaar' so that people can share their Aadhaar details with third parties whenever needed without any worry. A masked Aadhaar card is a version of the Aadhaar card, in which only the first eight digits are masked and only the last four digits are visible. Therefore, in Masked Aadhaar, "xxxx-xxxx" is seen instead of the first 8 digits, while only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number are visible. That is, its first 8 digits are masked, so it is called a masked Aadhaar card.

In Masked Aadhaar, even though the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number are masked, you can still use it as identity proof. In this way, it reduces the risk of misuse of your Aadhaar number. For security reasons, people should use their masked Aadhaar card only.

Is a masked Aadhaar card valid everywhere?

Let us now know whether masked Aadhaar cards can be used as identification in those places for which regular Aadhaar card is currently used. If you also had this question in your mind, then let us tell you that a masked Aadhaar is considered as valid as a regular Aadhaar card in which all 12 digits are visible. Therefore, you can also use a masked Aadhaar at every place where you are asked for a regular Aadhaar card.

Legal validity of masked Aadhaar?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clearly stated through its circular dated 29.09.2020 that "Aadhaar card, Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, masked e-Aadhaar and m-Aadhaar are all valid as Aadhaar which can be used by people as identification. All these versions of Aadhaar are equally valid, and you can use any of them as per your convenience.

How to download masked Aadhaar card

You can easily download the masked Aadhaar card by visiting the official website of UIDAI. Know the step by step method to download it. If you also want to download your masked Aadhaar card for security, then follow the steps given below.

Step 1: First of all you have to You have to go to the website myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and click on 'Login'.

Step 2: After this a new web page will appear, where you have to type your Aadhaar number. After entering the Aadhaar number, enter the captcha and then click on 'Login with OTP'.

Step 3: As soon as you log in through OTP, a new webpage will open where you have to click on 'Download' Aadhaar.

Step 4: After this, a new page will open again where you have to click on the option 'Do you want a masked Aadhaar?' After clicking on this option, click on Download.

Step 5: Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded. But you will need a password to open it. That is, you have to enter a password first to open it.

As a password, according to Aadhaar, the first four letters of your name will have to be entered in capital letters and the year of birth in YYYY format. For example, suppose your name on the Aadhaar card is Komal and the year of birth is 2001, then your password will be KOMA2001.

What to do if someone refuses to accept a masked Aadhaar card?

If any officer, agency or department refuses to accept your masked Aadhaar card, then you have the right to file a complaint against them. Suppose a hotel or pub refuses to accept your masked Aadhaar as a valid identification, then you can register your complaint through UIDAI's toll-free Aadhaar helpline number 1947 or by emailing help@uidai.gov.in.

Where to use masked Aadhaar?

To keep your Aadhaar details safe, you need to understand when you can use masked Aadhaar and when you need to provide your original Aadhaar details. According to the rules of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), only verified and licensed institutions can collect and store Aadhaar details of a person.

Therefore, unlicensed institutions like pubs, cinema halls and hotels cannot collect and store your Aadhaar. That is, at such places, you should use your masked Aadhaar card instead of the regular Aadhaar card as identification proof.