Source: PIB
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a major collaborative initiative, the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA), urgently calling upon the country’s startups, academia, and industry to develop advanced security solutions to combat deepfakes, mask attacks, and spoofing in Aadhaar face authentication.
SITAA is positioned to be a catalyst for innovation, indigenization, and the co-development of advanced, future-ready technologies within India’s digital identity ecosystem, aligning with national priorities of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital Public Infrastructure.
Immediate Need for Real-Time Attack Detection
To kickstart the program, UIDAI has issued a pilot challenge focused on high-priority security threats, with applications open until November 15, 2025.
The central focus is on strengthening Aadhaar’s biometric security by developing solutions for Real-Time or Near Real-Time Attack Detection. This initiative directly seeks to:
- Defeat Deepfakes and Spoofing: Solutions must effectively prevent presentation attacks, including photos, videos, physical masks, morphs, deepfakes, and adversarial inputs, ensuring robustness across all demographics.
- Universal Robustness: Proposed systems must function reliably across varying demographics, devices, and environments, supporting both edge and server deployment.
- Contactless Biometrics: A separate challenge calls for the development of Software Development Kits (SDKs) for Contactless Fingerprint Authentication using standard smartphone cameras, aiming for mobile-friendly and low-cost biometric solutions.
Fostering a Secure and Self-Reliant ID Tech Ecosystem
The SITAA scheme underscores India’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and self-reliant digital identity ecosystem. The focus areas under SITAA include biometric devices, authentication frameworks, data privacy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and secure identity applications.
As strategic partners to further the objectives of SITAA, the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with UIDAI. MSH will provide critical technical mentoring and incubation support, while NASSCOM will leverage its network for industry connections, global outreach, and entrepreneurial support.
The pilot program features three distinct challenges suitable for different segments:
- Face Liveness Detection (for Startups): Develop SDKs using passive and active methods to prevent spoofing and minimize user friction.
- Presentation Attack Detection (for Academia & Research): Develop advanced AI/ML-driven PAD solutions for comprehensive attack detection across all known manipulation types.
- Contactless Fingerprint Authentication (Open): Develop SDKs for capturing high-quality, AFIS-compliant fingerprint templates using standard mobile cameras with built-in liveness detection.
Entities that meet the eligibility criteria and can provide innovative solutions are encouraged to apply for the SITAA pilot before the deadline of November 15, 2025. The program promises to position India at the forefront of global identity innovation by translating research into practical solutions that enhance the reliability and efficiency of the digital identity framework.
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