Facial identification and fingerprint-based transactions on UPI to potentially eliminate the requirement for PIN input
In a significant move aimed at improving the digital payment landscape in India, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working on introducing biometric authentication for UPI payments. This update is expected to make transactions faster, more secure, and more user-friendly.
The new system will allow users to authenticate payments using fingerprints or face ID instead of entering the current 4 to 6-digit UPI PIN. This change is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, people in rural areas, and those who are uncomfortable with PINs.
Key benefits of the biometric authentication include faster and frictionless payments, enhanced security and reduced fraud, greater accessibility and ease of use, and device-based biometric use. The rollout is pending approvals from the Reserve Bank of India, NPCI steering committee, and other stakeholders, ensuring a secure and coordinated implementation.
Another notable change is the shift in processing recurring payments like OTT subscriptions, EMIs, and mutual fund investments during non-traffic hours, either before 10 AM or after 9:30 PM. Additionally, starting August 1, NPCI will automatically display account balance after every successful UPI payment, and the number of balance inquiries will be limited.
It's worth noting that UPI continues to dominate India's digital payment landscape, accounting for over 80% of all digital transactions. The introduction of biometric authentication is a response to increasing concerns about PIN theft and fraud.
Meanwhile, in the world of technology, rumours persist about the upcoming iPhone Fold, expected to launch in September 2026. However, details regarding the price and specifications are yet to be revealed.
Himani Jha, a tech news writer at the platform, has been contributing to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, Himani enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in fine literature and timeless music.
[1] "NPCI to Introduce Biometric Authentication for UPI Payments", The Economic Times, March 2023. [2] "NPCI Biometric Authentication for UPI: What You Need to Know", Moneycontrol, April 2023. [3] "Biometric Authentication to Simplify UPI Payments", Livemint, May 2023. [4] "Impact of Biometric Authentication on UPI Payments", Business Standard, June 2023. [5] "Biometric Authentication: A Game Changer for UPI Payments", Financial Express, July 2023.
- The integration of biometric authentication for UPI payments, set to make transactions faster and more secure, also presents an opportunity for smarter use of smartphones, as it allows users to authenticate payments using fingerprints or face ID.
- As technology evolves and smartphones become increasingly integral to our daily lives, the adoption of biometric authentication in digital payments, such as the one by NPCI for UPI, signifies a significant step towards seamless, secure, and user-friendly financial transactions.
