The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has temporarily barred Bharti Airtel and Airtel Payments Bank from conducting Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process. <br/><br/>The action follows allegations of Bharti Airtel using the Aadhaar-eKYC based SIM verification process to open payments bank accounts of its subscribers without their informed consent. <br/><br/>UIDAI also took strong objection to allegations that such payments bank accounts are being linked to receive LPG subsidy. <br/><br/>More than 23 lakh customers have reportedly received as many as Rs. 47 crore in their Airtel bank accounts, which they did not know had been opened.<br/>UIDAI has ordered PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an audit of Bharti Airtel and Airtel Payments Bank to ascertain if their systems and processes are in compliance with the Aadhaar Act. <br/><br/>UIDAI may consider revocation of suspension or decide further necessary action upon receipt of the PwC report.