Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. The data are compiled by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established on July 12, 2016 by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in accordance with the provisions Of the Aadhaar Act of 2016. The largest biometric identification system in the world, with more than 1,123 million registered as of February 28, 2017. As of this date, more than 99% of Indians aged 18 or over Had been enrolled in Aadhaar. Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, and does not grant any right of domicile in India.
Prior to the enactment of the Act, UIDAI served as the Deputy Office of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) since January 28, 2009. On March 3, 2016, a money law was introduced in Parliament to support To Aadhar. On March 11, 2016, the Aadhaar Law 2016 was approved in the Lok Sabha. On March 26, 2016, this Act was notified in the Gazette of India. Some civil liberties groups, such as the Citizens' Forum for Civil Liberties and the Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF), have opposed the project on privacy concerns.