Airtel’s eKYC licence suspended, for now

New Delhi, December 16

In its strongest action so far, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has temporarily barred Bharti Airtel and Airtel Payments Bank from conducting Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process as well as eKYC of payments bank clients.

The action follows allegations of Bharti Airtel using the Aadhaar-eKYC based SIM verification process to open payments bank accounts of its subscribers without their “informed consent”. The UIDAI also took strong objection to allegations that such payments bank accounts are being linked to receive LPG subsidy. “Suspended eKYC licence key of Bharti Airtel Ltd and Airtel Payment Bank Ltd with immediate effect,” order said.

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This means Airtel will not be able to, in the interim, carry out “electronic verification” or link mobile SIMs of customers with Aadhaar through eKYC process of the UIDAI.

Airtel Payments Bank will not be able to open any new account with Aadhaar eKYC.

An Airtel spokesperson said: “We are engaging with the authority and are hopeful of an early resolution.” — PTI