UIDAI onboards satcom major Starlink for Aadhar-based customer verification

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded satellite-based internet provider Starlink for customer verification, it said in a statement on Wednesday. Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd has been appointed as a sub-authentication user agency and sub-eKYC user agency.

Promoted by US tech billionaire Elon Musk, Starlink is the world’s largest space-based communication company, with a presence in over 125 countries. It got a license to operate satellite based broadband in India back in June. Starlink will now use Aadhaar authentication to verify customers, in a move that will make the entire process smooth, secure and very easy, UIDAI said.

Calling the partnership a powerful synergy, UIDAI said global satellite technology powered Aadhaar e-KYC will facilitate the onboarding of users seamlessly, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering high-speed internet to households, businesses, and institutions. Aadhaar authentication by users will happen on a voluntary basis as per the existing rules.


"The use of Aadhaar authentication by a global satellite internet provider demonstrates the scalability and reliability of India’s digital infrastructure. It highlights how Aadhaar can enable innovation in service delivery while ensuring transparency and accountability," UIDAI said.

Aadhar's face authentication solution is now gaining momentum faster due to its ease of usage and convenience for Aadhaar number holders, UIDAI said.