To prevent impersonation fraud, Microsoft has integrated its "Made for India" Skype Lite app with Aadhaar, thereby allowing users of the app to verify the caller's identity online.
This feature can be particularly useful for making a Skype Lite call to an important business client or government representative.
By using Aadhaar, both parties can verify their identity at the beginning of the Skype Lite call to prevent fraudulent impersonation. Either party can request Aadhaar verification over a video call using Skype Lite.
Microsoft had first announced the Aadhaar integration for Skype Lite earlier this year, when Satya Nadella was in the country. People have questioned whether Skype (or Skype Lite) really needs to function as an ID scanner, but for now, it seems more like Microsoft pitching itself to the Indian government.
In order to confirm your identity, you will need to click on "Verify Aadhaar identity", enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and then authenticate with a one-time password sent via SMS.
Once validated, you can choose to share pre-selected Aadhaar information with the other person to confirm your identity. There have been concerns as to whether Microsoft is in anyway going to store the Aadhaar-centric user data, to which they have this to say:
Skype will not store any Aadhaar information and as always, your personal information – including your video and audio conversations – is securely encrypted.Microsoft India
Microsoft joins Samsung to become the latest technology giant to cater to Aadhaar via one of its Made-for-India services. In addition to that, mobile brands like Micromax and Intex are also working on devices that come with built-in iris scanner.
Also Read: Coming Soon: Rs 7k Phones That Bring You ‘Eye-To-Eye’ With Aadhaar
(With inputs from IANS)
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