Andhra Pradesh Govt to launch Biometric Face Authentication for GST Registration:

Andhra Pradesh Govt to launch Biometric Face Authentication for GST Registration The Andhra Pradesh Commercial Taxes Department, in cooperation with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), launched a Biometric Face Authentication feature via an Android mobile application on January 1. This initiative intends to speed up the GST registration process while preventing fraudulent taxpayers from entering the system. A newly designed Android mobile app will allow Biometric Authentication Officers to verify taxpayer IDs using facial recognition, reducing the process from three to two steps. For facial authentication, the app simply requires a picture, which is then verified with documents. The new feature is designed to curb the misuse of fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) and improve security by protecting Aadhaar information and prohibiting the creation of counterfeit identification cards. It ensures that only legal taxpayers are registered, shielding innocent people from possible Aadhaar misuse. The State's 12 GST Seva Kendras (GSKs) currently use fingerprint or iris scanners for biometric authentication. However, GSTN's new mobile app provides additional ease. Designed for Android devices, the app eliminates the need for additional hardware, assuring both accessibility and strong security requirements. It enables Biometric Authentication Officers (BAOs) at GSKs to log in, enter Aadhaar information, and capture the applicant’s photo the applicant for face authentication and verification in a single step.