Thu May 22 06:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Secure Your Identity: UIDAI Offers Aadhaar Locking Feature to Prevent Misuse**

**New Delhi:** In an era increasingly reliant on digital documentation, the safety of government-issued IDs is paramount. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the issuing body for Aadhaar, has introduced a crucial feature allowing citizens to lock their Aadhaar numbers and prevent potential misuse.

Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identity number, is widely used across India for various essential services, including banking, SIM card registration, government subsidies, and other official schemes. Given its widespread use, the vulnerability of Aadhaar information to unauthorized access and potential misuse is a significant concern.

The Aadhaar locking feature provides a simple yet effective solution. It allows users to temporarily lock their Aadhaar number, rendering it unusable for authentication purposes by unauthorized individuals.

**How to Lock Your Aadhaar:**

1. Visit the official UIDAI website: [https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in](https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in)
2. Select the “Lock/Unlock Aadhaar” option.
3. Click on the “Lock UID” tab and proceed.
4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the displayed security code (captcha).
5. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
6. Enter the OTP and click “Lock Aadhaar.”

Upon successful completion of these steps, your Aadhaar number will be locked.

**Unlocking and Virtual ID (VID):**

When the need arises to use your Aadhaar (e.g., for eKYC or banking), you can easily unlock it by following a similar process on the UIDAI website. This unlock is temporary and valid for a limited period.

For situations where you need to use your Aadhaar but prefer not to unlock it, UIDAI also provides the option of generating a Virtual ID (VID). The VID is a 16-digit temporary, random number that can be used in place of your Aadhaar number for limited purposes. You can generate a VID on the UIDAI website.

UIDAI encourages all Aadhaar holders to utilize these features to enhance the security of their identity in the digital age.

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