NPCI is preparing to implement Aadhaar-based face authentication for large transactions. An UIDAI official stated that this process will be completed directly through people's smartphones, providing the easiest and most secure method of identification. Additionally, NPCI has also launched UPI Lite payment facility via wearable smart glasses.
NPCI Rules: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to introduce a new rule to secure high-value transactions, under which Aadhaar-based face authentication may be made mandatory for large financial transactions. During the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of UIDAI, informed that NPCI is working on this idea and an announcement is likely soon. This step will make identity verification faster, easier, and more reliable. Meanwhile, NPCI has also launched the UPI Lite payment facility through wearable smart glasses, which will allow payments using only QR scans and voice commands.
Identity Through Face Recognition
Abhishek Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of UIDAI, stated that NPCI is rapidly working in this direction, and a formal announcement will be made soon. He mentioned that UIDAI possesses the world's largest biometric database, making it the most reliable means of verifying a person's true identity. Face authentication is a method that is not only secure but also extremely fast.
Abhishek Kumar Singh added that face authentication will be integrated with the Aadhaar-based system to fully ensure every individual's identity. He stated that the authentication framework is already in place and only requires technical integration.
Mobile to Become the Authentication Device
According to the UIDAI official, the biggest advantage of this new facility will be that no one will need to carry a separate, special biometric device. India has approximately 640 million smartphone users, and every smartphone already has a camera. Consequently, the same phone will now function as the face authentication device.
He explained that previously, biometric authentication required special machines, but now face recognition will occur directly via mobile phone cameras. This will make the process simpler and faster. This initiative will help extend digital payments to a wider audience.
Enhanced Security and Convenience
The official stated that face authentication will not only enhance security but also make the payment process extremely convenient for users. Often, transactions fail due to OTP delays or network issues. However, face authentication will eliminate this problem. Transactions can be completed simply by showing one's face to the camera.
He also mentioned that the introduction of this system could reduce instances of cyber fraud, as copying or faking someone's face is almost impossible.
Banks and FinTech Companies to Benefit Too
Discussions regarding this new technology are ongoing between NPCI and UIDAI. NPCI aims for banks and FinTech companies to also be part of this initiative to ensure its rapid implementation. This will not only strengthen transaction security but also enhance customer experience.
Abhishek Kumar Singh stated at Global Fintech Fest 2025 that face authentication is a change that will elevate the entire payment system to a new level. He added that in the coming time, face authentication may be mandated for all large transactions.
UPI Lite Payments via Wearable Smart Glasses
Meanwhile, NPCI has made another significant announcement. UPI Lite payments can now also be made in the country via wearable smart glasses. This will not require a mobile phone or any PIN. Users will simply need to look at the QR code and issue a voice command, completing the payment instantly.
NPCI explained that UPI Lite has been specifically designed for small and frequent payments. This facility does not heavily rely on the main banking system, which makes transactions faster. NPCI has also released a video demonstrating how easy it is to pay using smart glasses: just look, speak, and pay.
A New Direction for Digital India
Steps such as face authentication and wearable payments are set to provide a new direction for digital transactions in India. This will not only improve security levels but also promote technological innovation. This joint effort by UIDAI and NPCI could make India a global leader in face-based authentication.
The era of face-based identification for large transactions is now set to begin in the country. This is not merely a technological change but also a new beginning for digital trust. In the future, when you make a large payment, your face will become your identity.
