Skype Lite for Android updated with user verification integration for Indian users

Microsoft is extending a helping hand to the Indian Government by aiding in the country's digital revolution with an array of initiatives. Among such programs, the company had showcased last year several use cases in which its popular VoIP app, Skype, can be linked to the country's Aadhaar database for secure user verification. That feature is now live, with the latest update to the Skype Lite app on Android enabling user authentication via the Aadhaar number.

The Aadhaar number is akin to the Social Security Number (SSN) that is provided to US citizens and helps in citizen identification services. With a large enrolment base, Aadhaar has been made mandatory to avail most citizen amenities in the country. Integration of Aadhaar authentication into Skype can help users to remotely authenticate themselves without the need to visit a Government office to avail services. For example, pensioners need not visit a bank branch to prove that they are alive. With Aadhaar-enabled Skype, the person can simply authenticate via a video call. Since this requires both parties to verify their identities, impersonations can be prevented for a secure communication. 

Users who wish to authenticate using this method will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS to their registered mobile number post which they can choose to share their 12-digit Aadhaar number with the other party for identity confirmation. It may be noted that the Aadhaar information will not be stored on Microsoft's servers. 

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