UIDAI launches SITAA to counter Deepfakes, enhance Aadhaar authentication security

UIDAI Launches SITAA to Counter Deepfakes and Strengthen Aadhaar Authentication Security

Key Points:

1. Launch of SITAA Initiative:
   • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA).
   • Objective: To strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem and combat modern security threats like deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.
   • Applications for the initiative are open until November 15, 2025.
2. Purpose and Focus Areas:
   • SITAA aims to bring together startups, academic institutions, and industry players to co-develop secure and scalable Aadhaar authentication solutions.
   • Focus areas include:
     • Advanced biometric technologies
     • Authentication frameworks
     • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
     • Data privacy and security enhancements
3. Strategic Partnerships:
   • MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM have partnered with UIDAI as strategic collaborators.
     • MSH will provide technical mentoring, incubation, and accelerator support.
     • NASSCOM will offer industry linkages and global exposure.
   • The collaboration supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by encouraging indigenous innovation in identity technology.
4. Three Key Innovation Challenges under SITAA:
   • 1. Face Liveness Detection:
     • Develop SDKs for active and passive liveness detection to prevent spoofing through photos, videos, morphs, masks, and deepfakes.
     • Must ensure smooth authentication across devices, environments, and demographics.
   • 2. Presentation Attack Detection (PAD):
     • Focus on AI/ML-based detection of print, replay, mask, morph, and deepfake attacks.
     • Solutions must be privacy-compliant, real-time, and scalable for large-scale Aadhaar authentication.
   • 3. Contactless Fingerprint Authentication:
     • Develop SDKs for fingerprint scanning using standard smartphone cameras or low-cost imaging devices.
     • Solutions must support spoof detection and integrate with the Aadhaar ecosystem while ensuring image quality and security.
5. Strengthening India’s Digital Public Infrastructure:
   • SITAA serves as a catalyst for innovation in identity technology and a step toward future-ready, secure authentication frameworks.
   • The program aims to reduce dependence on foreign technologies while promoting trust and security in Aadhaar-enabled services.
   • It contributes to India’s broader mission of creating a trusted, inclusive, and resilient digital infrastructure.
6. Participation Details:
   • Startups, research institutions, and technology developers can apply through the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) portal.
   • Detailed challenge guidelines and evaluation criteria are available on the official portal.

Static Data for Revision:

• Body: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• Initiative: Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA)
• Launch Year: 2025
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
• Partners: MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), NASSCOM
• Key Focus Areas: Deepfake prevention, biometric security, AI authentication, data privacy
• Aligned with: Atmanirbhar Bharat & Digital India missions
  
  Updated - 16 Oct 2025 ; 11: 20 PM | DD News