UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

The identity platform 'Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply?

1. It can be integrated into any electronic device.
2. Online authentication using iris is possible.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• ‘Aadhaar Authentication Application Programming Interface’ is basically a procedure wherein the allotted Aadhaar Number, alongside with the similar other attributes, including biometrics, are given away to Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) online for the purpose of verification on the basis of information available along with it. Aadhaar provides open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which can be integrated easily into any electronic device. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  • API is a set of defined rules that enable different applications to communicate with each other. It acts as an intermediary layer that processes data transfers between systems, letting companies open their application data and functionality to external third-party developers, business partners, and internal departments within their companies.
    
    
• When it comes to handling the Aadhar authentication, it mainly enables the agencies in terms of verifying the Aadhar holders identity who use online as well as electronic in general. For information, the agency will be mainly collecting the required information from holder with Aadhar number and proceed further to verification based on Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) systems.
  
  
•  Aadhaar authentication application programming interface provides various ways for an Aadhaar holder to authenticate themselves. At a higher level, this authentication takes place using Demographics data or Biometric (Fingerprint/Iris) data, and OTP. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Information and Communication Technology