BIOMETRIC DATA
Offline Aadhaar verification to get easier for users as UIDAI onboards 300 entities to complete process
UIDAI has successfully onboarded 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities since the launch in January 2026. This initiative aims to enhance Aadhaar-based offline verification across various sectors including healthcare, education, and hospitality. Users can now complete identity checks without submitting physical copies of their Aadhaar cards.
Digital recruitment is creating a new cybersecurity risk for employers
Online hiring has made it easier for companies to reach candidates across locations, but it has also exposed recruitment processes to identity fraud, manipulated assessments and misuse of personal information. HR teams are increasingly responsible for protecting the integrity and security of the hiring process.
Shutdown hits normal life in Manipur’s Kangpokpi for second day over killing of two Kuki youths
Normal life in Kangpokpi district was disrupted for two days due to a shutdown. This was initiated by the Committee on Tribal Unity in protest against the government's inaction. The Kuki youths, who had gone missing recently, were killed and their bodies were recovered after several search operations.
Australia's new biometric rule for Indian visa applicants: Who will have to comply? High Commission clarifies
Australian High Commission in India has exclusively mentioned that Australia’s expanded biometric requirements will cover most temporary and permanent visa applicants in India, including visitor, student, skilled-worker and permanent-migration applicants, while the requirement will be determined by individual circumstances; Indian officials travelling on official business are exempt.
Visa rules deter 43% of air travellers as immigration complexity becomes a barrier: IATA Global Passenger Survey 2026
International travel is facing challenges due to increasingly complex immigration requirements affecting passenger behaviour. The International Air Transport Association's survey reveals that many passengers are discouraged from travelling because of these complexities. Additionally, passengers show a preference for completing immigration procedures digitally before travelling to avoid delays. Concerns about personal data privacy persist despite the growing acceptance of digital travel solutions.
Social media norms, AI, deepfakes, chips among others on review list of parliamentary panel in 2026-27
The development comes as several incidents of age-inappropriate content, circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and alleged censorship on social media have been reported widely.
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Privacy group files complaints against Scale AI over alleged worker surveillance
The European digital privacy group, noyb, has launched several complaints against Scale AI across multiple nations, claiming the company improperly surveilled freelance workers engaged in AI data tasks. Investigative findings highlighted concerning tracking practices, including keystroke logging and persistent identity verification. Moreover, the use of game-like rewards has drawn prior regulatory attention. Freelancers reported challenges accessing their data, with requests often ignored by Outlier.

How fake passport and asylum bid exposed gangster Himanshu Bhau in US
Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria attempted to exploit US immigration laws to secure asylum. They surrendered to US authorities, which resulted in their biometrics being logged into the ICE system. Investigations linked both men to multiple criminal cases in India, including serious violent crimes. Indian and US authorities are now collaborating to expedite their extradition process. A specialized team is expected to assist in the deportation procedure thereafter.

Jio’s mega public issue puts India’s AI companies in the spotlight; see who are the potential IPO candidates
The interest in India’s AI firms comes at a time when such companies are attracting increasing private investment and some are beginning to consider stock market listings. Jio itself is looking to target growth beyond telecom through AI, cloud, and satellite communications.

LPG subsidy: Delhi HC seeks Centre's reply on PIL against mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication
Delhi High Court issued a notice to the central government regarding a petition against biometric Aadhaar authentication for LPG refills. The petition claims the decision imposes severe hardships on individuals with visual impairments and disabilities. The Attorney General stated the aim is to reduce subsidy abuse while accommodating disabled individuals. Concerns have been raised about the lack of statutory backing for the government’s mandate.

There could be a pretty big global shock, says Nobel laureate & economist Michael Spence
Michael Spence highlights the economic growth of India and China, noting India's potential growth trajectory. He emphasizes India's advancements in digital infrastructure, particularly in digital financial services like UPI. Spence discusses the significance of AI in economic development and its anticipated impact over the next decade. He warns of potential economic shocks due to rising debt levels and high market valuations.

Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank credit cards
Apple Pay initially supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Other large card issuers, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card, are currently not live on the service.

Apple Pay India launch may change payments in iPhones: Expected date, banks supported, UPI access and features
Apple Pay is expected to launch in India next month with Axis Bank credit cards, ahead of wider bank support, Reuters reported. The service will focus on card based tap and pay payments through Face ID and Touch ID, separate from India's dominant UPI network, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank still finalising their own tie ups.

LPG customer base dips after a decade
India's LPG customer base had been expanding steadily, with the adoption of cooking gas accelerating over the past decade. The active LPG customer base more than doubled to 333.9 million at the beginning of the current fiscal year from 148.6 million at the start of 2015-16. Growth ranged between 11.9% and 19.6% in the four years to 2018-19, before slowing to around 5% or less as the overall customer base expanded. This fiscal year, the customer base has shrunk by 1%.

Apple Pay set for India launch next month with Axis Bank credit cards: Report
Apple is set to launch Apple Pay in India next month, debuting with Axis Bank's credit card integration. Talks with prominent banks like HDFC and ICICI are underway to expand the service. This innovative payment solution enables iPhone users to effortlessly make transactions, positioning Apple within India's thriving digital payment landscape.

Getaway to the UAE: Chennai roadshow charts Indian exporters’ evolution into regional players
The Chennai edition of the Gateway to the UAE roadshow, hosted by Ajman Free Zone in partnership with The Economic Times and Times of India Digital, unpacked the metamorphosis of the Indian exporter, from selling into the UAE to using it as an operating and distribution base for the wider region.

HSBC, ICICI Bank emerge as biggest FX lenders to India’s diaspora in GIFT City
HSBC and ICICI Bank led lending under a special foreign-exchange swap program. These two banks disbursed a combined $19.3 billion through the central bank's facility. The Reserve Bank of India's program boosted activity in GIFT City significantly. This success encourages lenders to expand wealth management operations and attract more diaspora funds. GIFT City aims to compete with established financial centers like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Delhi HC acts big on fake GST registrations, rules no GST registration without biometric-based Aadhaar authentication
In light of many fraudulent GST registrations, the Delhi High Court has ruled that no Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration can be obtained without Aadhaar biometric authentication. Read the article to know more.

UIDAI using AI extensively to detect fraud: Chairman Neelkanth Mishra
UIDAI is extensively deploying Artificial Intelligence to detect and counter fraud effectively. Daily Aadhaar authentications have dramatically risen and infrastructure is expanding. Agentic use cases are anticipated to grow significantly over the next three years. The Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox were launched at the Global Fintech Fest. These tools enable seamless integration and testing of face authentication services.

Indian Consulate in Dubai warns UAE Indians against biometric data fraud
Indian nationals in the UAE face warnings from their consulate regarding fraudulent agents. These agents offer services for visa regularisation and exit permits, demanding personal information. Scammers misuse biometric data for unauthorized financial transactions and loans. Victims could face fines, travel bans, and potential jail time for unknown debts. Citizens should only provide biometrics at official government facilities and report suspicious activities.

Lawyers square off in fight over voice data used to train AI
Ross Kimbarovsky of Loevy & Loevy is representing the plaintiffs - a group of journalists, podcasters and audiobook narrators - in the proposed class action lawsuits. He said each of the defendants faces hundreds of millions of dollars in potential damages.

UIDAI to start biometric update of children through schools soon
The UIDAI is set to launch a phased project in two months to update children's biometrics through schools, addressing over 7 crore children who haven't completed the mandatory update after age 5. This initiative aims to ensure accurate biometric data, prevent Aadhaar deactivation, and facilitate access to essential services like school admissions and government benefits.

Google can question Texas officials in privacy lawsuit, appeals court rules
The Texas appeals court has ruled in favor of Google, allowing the company to question Texas officials regarding a lawsuit that claims Google collected biometric data without consent. The lawsuit alleges violations of state privacy laws through the use of Google products such as Photos and Assistant.

With 4 mn users, Digi Yatra will be expanded to 15 new airports
Initially, Digi Yatra was started in three cities in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi, later it expanded its footprint across major airports in the country, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata.

Worldcoin says will allow companies, governments to use its ID system
Co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Worldcoin launched last week, requiring users to give their iris scans in exchange for a digital ID and, in some countries, free cryptocurrency as part of plans to create a "identity and financial network".

France's watchdog questions legality of Worldcoin biometric data collection
France's privacy watchdog CNIL said on Friday it is aware of ChatGPT-founder Sam Altman's Worldcoin project and that the legality of its biometric data collection "seems questionable".

Texas sues Google for capturing biometric data of millions without consent
Texas sues Google for allegedly capturing biometric data of millions without consent

Biometric data of 99 crore Indians collected; data encrypted: Government
Biometric data of about 99 crore Indians have been collected so far under Aadhar scheme and the data is encrypted and its secrecy and security ensured.
UIDAI to review biometric data collection process of 60 crore resident Indians: P Chidambaram
Chidambaram refused to say anything on financial burden the govt will bear for UIDAI carrying out the exercise of collecting the biometrics data.
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