In February, Microsoft released Skype Lite; a faster, lightweight version of Skype for Android devices. They also announced Aadhaar integration into Skype Lite would be available in the summer of 2017.

On Wednesday, Microsoft released a statement confirming Aadhaar integration would be available to users.

The statement read, “Aadhaar is considered to be the world’s largest national identification number project and allows users in India to communicate with government, business, and others with a higher level of trust and lower potential for fraud. With the latest version of Skype Lite, Aadhaar integration can be used to verify users’ identity online, helping them communicate more securely with others.”

A big step in online communication, Skype Lite would allow for identity verification from both ends and prevention of impersonation fraud.

”You’ll still get the same great Skype Lite experience during the call and once you’ve finished speaking, both parties will see the Aadhaar verification captured as an event within the conversation. Skype will not store any Aadhaar information and as always, your personal information—including your video and audio conversations —is securely encrypted”, the statement added.

This introduces a verified, secure platform among the largest national identification number project; whether it be for business clients, government representatives etc. Here is how you can get it:

1) Get Skype Lite (on Android): https://www.skype.com/en/skype-lite/

2) Request Aadhaar verification over video call.

3) Click on “Verify Aadhaar Identity” and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, authenticate with one-time password sent via SMS.

4) Once validated, you can share pre-selected Aadhaar information which acts as confirmation of identity.

It is important to note the shortcomings of the OTP (one-time password) if someone’s phone with Skype Lite is stolen, authentication under someone else’s identity is easy. With mobile communications in India being unencrypted, OTP can be intercepted.