Frequently Asked Questions

Updated at 2026-01-09

1. What are biometric devices?

Biometric devices are electronic devices that identify and authenticate individuals based on their unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features, or voice recognition.

2. Why are biometric devices used in banking and financial services?

Banks and financial institutions use biometric devices to enhance security, prevent fraud, ensure accurate customer identification, and comply with regulatory requirements such as KYC (Know Your Customer) norms.

3. What types of biometric devices are commonly used?

The most commonly used biometric devices include:

• Fingerprint scanners
• Iris scanners
• Facial recognition systems
• Voice recognition systems

4. Are biometric devices mandatory for banking services?

Biometric authentication may be mandatory for certain services such as Aadhaar-based transactions, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and customer verification at banking touchpoints, as per government or regulatory guidelines.

5. How secure is biometric data?

Biometric data is considered highly secure as it is unique to each individual. Banks and service providers use encryption, secure storage, and strict access controls to protect biometric information from unauthorized access.

6. Is biometric information shared with third parties?

Biometric information is not shared with third parties except where required by law or regulatory authorities. Data sharing, if any, is done in compliance with applicable data protection and privacy laws.

7. What happens if biometric authentication fails?

If biometric authentication fails, alternative verification methods such as OTP, PIN, or manual identity verification may be used, depending on the service and regulatory guidelines.

8. Can biometric data be updated or corrected?

Yes, biometric data can be updated or corrected through authorized centers such as banks, Aadhaar enrollment centers, or designated service providers, in case of errors or changes.

9. Are biometric devices safe for users?

Yes, biometric devices used by banks and authorized institutions are safe, non-invasive, and designed to meet health and safety standards.

10. What laws govern the use of biometric devices in India?

The use of biometric devices is governed by applicable laws and regulations such as the Aadhaar Act, IT Act, data protection guidelines, and directives issued by regulatory authorities like RBI and UIDAI.

11. Who is responsible for biometric data protection?

The organization collecting biometric data, such as banks or authorized service providers, is responsible for ensuring its protection, confidentiality, and lawful usage.

12. Where can users report biometric-related issues?

Users can report biometric authentication or device-related issues to their respective bank branches, customer care services, or authorized service centers.