Why in the news?

  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently introduced the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA).

Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA)

  • Launch: Launched by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem.
  • Objective: To safeguard Aadhaar authentication against new-age digital threats such as deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.
  • Aim:
    • It aims to make Aadhaar more secure, inclusive, and globally benchmarked by fostering innovation through collaboration.
    • To create a collaborative innovation platform connecting Startups, Academic institutions, and Industry leaders.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Advanced biometric technologies
    • AI-based authentication frameworks
    • Data privacy and security mechanisms
  • Challenges Addressed:
    • Face Liveness Detection:
      • Invites startups to develop software development kits (SDKs) for passive and active face liveness detection.
      • Solutions must prevent spoofing through photos, videos, masks, morphs, deepfakes, and adversarial inputs.
      • Ensures more reliable remote biometric verification.
    • Presentation Attack Detection:
      • Open to academic and research institutions.
      • Seeks AI/ML-driven systems to detect attacks such as print, replay, masks, morphs, and deepfakes.
    • Contactless Fingerprint Authentication:
      • Aims to build SDKs for fingerprint authentication using standard smartphone cameras or low-cost imaging devices.
  • Significance:
    • Reinforces trust and reliability in Aadhaar-based services.
    • Addresses evolving cyber and biometric threats in India’s digital infrastructure.
    • Encourages domestic innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat in secure identity technologies.
    • Positions India as a global leader in responsible, privacy-centric digital identity management.