The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning a major overhaul of the Aadhaar ID format by removing visible details such as address and date of birth. The move aims to enhance privacy, reduce misuse of printed Aadhaar copies and shift verification processes to digital authentication instead.
UIDAI recently launched a new Aadhaar app, distinct from the m-Aadhaar app launched in 2017. The new app introduces several new features to improve digital identity management for nearly 140 crore Aadhaar holders.
The new Aadhaar app can now be downloaded from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
The new app will allow users to update address proofs and add family members who do not own mobile phones. It can be added using a face authentication feature.
It will function similarly to Aadhaar verification via the Digiyatra app, which enables entities to authenticate individuals for purposes such as event entry, cinema halls, hotel check-ins, age-restricted purchases, student verifications, and access to residential societies.
Let’s take a look at some new features added to the recently launched app:
Users can add and manage Aadhaar cards for up to five family members.
A biometric authentication feature lets users lock their Aadhaar data, ensuring that no one else can access or share their information unless they unlock it themselves.
The app gives users the flexibility to decide what information they want to share.
The app includes a usage log that records where, when, and how the Aadhaar was used
A senior official explained, “Aadhaar holders will show the QR code in the scanner of OVSE. The system will then prompt for face verification. This will also work as proof of the presence of an Aadhaar number holder. We will open an application for OVSE very soon. We will verify details of OVSE, and once approval is done, OVSE will have to initiate technical integration to access a QR code for updating data from the Aadhaar database.”
UIDAI is planning a new Aadhaar card format that will drop personal details like address and date of birth, featuring only the holder’s photo and a QR code.
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar said the authority is planning to introduce a rule in December aimed at preventing offline verification by entities such as hotels, event organisers, and others, while strengthening age verification processes.
“There is a thought process as to why there should be any detail on the card. It should be only a photo and a QR code. If we keep printing, then people will keep accepting what is printed. People who know how to misuse it will keep misusing it,” Kumar said.
This is aimed at reducing the misuse of personal data and discouraging offline verification practices, a senior official said.
“The Aadhaar Act prohibits the collection, use, or storage of an Aadhaar number or biometric information for offline verification. However, several entities continue to maintain photocopies of Aadhaar cards,” Kumar continued “Legislation is being drafted to discourage offline verification through physical copies, and the proposal will be reviewed by the Aadhaar authority on December 1.”
“Aadhaar should never be used as a document. It should only be authenticated with the Aadhaar number or verified using the QR code. Otherwise, it can be a fake document,” he added.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Newborn Baby’s Aadhaar Online: Complete Step-by-Step Process
The UIDAI also held a joint meeting with stakeholders, including banks, hotels, fintech firms, and others, to update them about a new app that will replace the mAadhaar app. The app will streamline Aadhaar authentication in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, expected to be fully operational in 18 months.
This proposed Aadhaar redesign reinforces UIDAI’s long-term push toward enhanced security and minimal data exposure. If executed well, the update could set a new benchmark for secure ID systems worldwide.