UPI Payment Rules: India has emerged as one of the leaders in the global digital payments ecosystem, and yet another major transformation is likely to happen. In the near future, the requirement for a UPI transaction PIN may be completely eliminated. Payment authorization can be done via biometrics, including fingerprint, facial, and iris scans. NPCI is developing this new form of technology and it is likely to be available to the public in the years to come.This is a great biometrics payment feature for users with lower literacy levels and those of less education who have a hard time remembering UPI PINs. Since biometric payments systems are based on unique biological data, fraud can also be greatly reduced.What is the operation of biometrics payment systems?As cited in Business Standard, users will not be required to provide a PIN for UPI payments. Payments will be permitted through biometrics like fingerprint, facial, or iris recognition. This feature is useful to users with poor recollection of PINs and those who are not digitally inclined.The payment process can look something like this: A user will be able to scan a QR code and verify their identity through a fingerprint scan or a Face ID scan instead of using a PIN. Payments will be automatically verified upon fingerprint or face scan verification. The process will be straightforward, utilizing the direct link of Aadhaar with NPCI, ensuring a secure yet effortless transaction. Also, biometric verification through systems like face scanning or fingerprint scanning are secure as a person’s sensitive information such as biometric details are encrypted and linked to the UPI system, so payment by anyone other than the user becomes impossible. However, some cyber security specialists highlight the unaddressed risk of biometric details being hacked. For these reasons, the government and NPCI are working on a plan to prevent unauthorized access to biometric information, ensuring that all encrypted data will be inaccessible without user consent.A benefit for the elderly and less educated individuals As for the older and rural individuals who face challenges with smartphones or remembering a PIN, this feature is of great significance. A simple thumb impression or showing the face to the phone camera is sufficient for payments to be completed. In the rural markets, shops, or areas where digital payments are not widely accepted, biometric UPI payments can provide great help.
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