India’s Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is implementing a new facial authentication system for Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation, beginning August 1, 2025. The system will require users to complete Aadhaar-based face authentication through the UMANG App, moving the UAN process to a fully digital workflow. The change follows EPFO’s broader digitization efforts, including its recent integration with DigiLocker for document verification.
The new authentication process requires employees to use both the UMANG App and the Aadhaar Face RD App to complete their UAN registration. Users must provide their Aadhaar number and associated mobile number, receive and enter an OTP, and complete facial authentication. Upon successful verification, the UAN is generated automatically and delivered via SMS. The biometric verification approach builds upon the UIDAI’s established facial authentication infrastructure for digital identity verification.
International workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are exempt from the new requirements, with the latter group retaining the ability to obtain UANs through their employers. For all other users, the basic requirements include an Aadhaar number, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and both the UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps installed on their device.
The UMANG App will serve as a comprehensive platform for EPFO services, offering features beyond UAN generation including EPF passbook access, claim submissions, KYC updates, and e-UAN card downloads. The face authentication capability will also extend to existing UAN holders, enhancing security across the platform’s services.
The digital transformation supports India’s broader Digital India initiative and marks a significant shift from the previous employer-dependent UAN generation system. The implementation aims to enhance security measures while streamlining the registration process. The change follows similar initiatives in India’s digital identity ecosystem, such as the NPCI’s implementation of biometric authentication for UPI payments.
The EPFO is simultaneously developing additional digital services, including potential PF withdrawals via ATMs and UPI integration, as part of its ongoing modernization efforts. The developments are expected to complement the recent implementation of Mobile Number Validation systems designed to enhance security in digital financial transactions.
Sources: YouTube, Mathrubhumi English, Outlook Money, Fortune India
