When it comes to the adoption of next-age tech such as AI and IoT , among others, the aviation sector has seen a huge adaption of such advancements. Digi Yatra can be one of the key examples of someone using such high-tech advancements.
Digi Yatra utilises Self-Sovereign Identity principles and Verifiable Credentials to ensure safety and security of passengers. Also, its facial Verification technology is something that is redefining travel tech. In conversation with Siddharth Sharma, Head of IT Operations, Digi Yatra Foundation, on how technology is changing your flight experiences.
How does the Digi Yatra app revamps air travel?
Digi Yatra has introduced a seamless airport experience for passengers by leveraging facial Verification technology (FVT). Digi Yatra eliminates the need for long queues and multiple document verifications at various airport checkpoints by using passengers’ faces as a Boarding Pass .
Digi Yatra prioritises privacy through its Self-Sovereign Identity architecture, storing personal data exclusively on users’ devices and implementing a 24-hour data deletion policy after flight departure. Since its launch, we have served over 10 million users across 24 Indian airports.
Give a brief overview of AI and face recognition features.
Digi Yatra’s biometric matching algorithms provide accurate and efficient identity verification. These algorithms utilise artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to analyse facial features and match them against reference faces available from ID documents. It employs advanced facial authentication technology with specialised 1:1 face matching algorithms hosted on secure private cloud infrastructure within India.
The app’s AI capabilities extend to efficient QR code scanning using AI-powered software development kits that can process boarding passes in any format. For enhanced user support, Digi Yatra is developing multilingual chatbots based on Large Language Model technology, offering assistance through text, voice, and video interactions.
How WhatsApp chatbot and AI/ML integrations has enhanced user experience.
Digi Yatra is working towards enhancing its user experience through innovative AI integrations, particularly with its planned multilingual chatbot system built on Large Language Model (LLM) technology. The chatbot will provide comprehensive passenger support through multiple channels, including text, voice, and video interactions, making assistance accessible in various formats. There is no plan for WhatsApp Chat Bot.
How is Digi Yatra’s decentralized mobile-based ID storage used to mitigate data loss risks?
The use of Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and Decentralised mobile-based ID storage ensures that data is ONLY stored on user’s device and not in Digi Yatra Central ecosystem. This decentralized approach ensures that the end user is empowered to take control of her data and gets to decide what to share with whom to share with complete transparency and at her will. With no personally Identifiable Information being stored centrally, the threat of data loss, pilferage and theft is mitigated. System also employs robust security measures, including TLS 1.3 protocols for data protection during transmission.
For the data shared with the Origin Airport to facilitate passenger validation during day of Travel, Digi Yatra further implements strict data purging policies where shared information is automatically deleted within 24 hours of use. Regular security audits by CERT-In and STQC certification ensure ongoing compliance with these privacy and security standards.
Any future plans for expansion?
We have expansion plans to expand our current presence in 24 Indian airports. The platform envisions creating a comprehensive identity verification ecosystem that goes beyond aviation. Our future plans include integrating electronic passport-based Verifiable Credentials to enable seamless international travel, aligning with IATA OneID and ICAO standards.
We are working on breaking language barriers by making the app available in 22 Indian languages, making it more accessible to diverse users. We are also exploring the possibility of extending our ID validation services to hotels and other public places to enhance overall travel experiences.
