The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially onboarded Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd, allowing the global satellite internet provider to use Aadhaar-based authentication services for verifying customers in India.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that Starlink has been granted the status of a Sub-Authentication User Agency (Sub-AUA) and a Sub-eKYC User Agency (Sub-eKYC UA). This access enables the company to carry out Aadhaar-based e-KYC for onboarding users in a paperless, secure, and regulatory-compliant manner.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, Deputy Director General Manish Bhardwaj, and Starlink India Director Parnil Urdhwareshe.
Aadhaar e-KYC for Faster, Compliant Customer Onboarding
Highlighting the integration as a “powerful synergy” between India’s digital identity platform and global satellite technology, the Ministry said that Aadhaar authentication will significantly simplify and speed up Starlink’s customer onboarding process, especially as it expands high-speed satellite internet services across homes, institutions, and businesses in India.
Calling Aadhaar one of the most trusted digital identity systems in the world, the Ministry noted that its use in customer onboarding will not only enhance compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms but also ensure ease of access for users.
Importantly, UIDAI clarified that Aadhaar authentication by users will continue to be voluntary, in line with the current legal framework.
Aadhaar’s Role in India’s Digital Infrastructure
The press release reiterated Aadhaar’s role as the foundation of India’s digital public infrastructure, emphasizing its contribution to the ease of living and doing business. It also noted that Aadhaar’s face authentication feature is gaining popularity among users due to its convenience.
“The use of Aadhaar authentication by a global satellite internet provider demonstrates the scalability and reliability of India’s digital infrastructure,” the ministry added. “It highlights how Aadhaar can enable innovation in service delivery while ensuring transparency and accountability.”
Starlink’s onboarding comes as part of broader efforts to expand digital connectivity in rural and remote regions through satellite-based technologies, with Aadhaar’s robust identity verification playing a key supporting role in that effort.
