The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is set to launch a redesigned Aadhaar mobile app that will give users far greater control over their identity data.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), the new app will allow Aadhaar details of up to five family members to be stored in one place, offer full flexibility to share complete or selective information, and enable one-click biometric lock/unlock for enhanced security.
The new App will also simplify key tasks such as mobile number updates, address changes and offline verification through QR-based authentication—making Aadhaar use more seamless at hotels, airports, residential societies, events and more.
UIDAI, which issues a 12-digit Aadhaar number to residents, aims to strengthen the offline verification system through the app, which is expected to be launched next month.
Aadhaar App will allow ‘paperless identity sharing’
The government has said that Aadhaar app will facilitate paperless identity sharing, an option to verify and share complete or selective Aadhaar information. Ahead of the formal launch of this App, UIDAI on November 19 conducted an informative webinar on offline verification using the Aadhaar app.
In his welcome address, Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO, UIDAI, highlighted the objective of the webinar — to promote offline verification. UIDAI has built a strong ecosystem around it. Through this webinar, the government wanted to spread awareness about the features, benefits and potential of offline Aadhaar verification through the forthcoming app.
The UIDAI CEO emphasised that offline verification would offer both users and entities a secure, convenient and privacy-protecting method for identity verification and discourage sharing and reliance on physical/ photocopy of Aadhaar which otherwise is a possible reason for potential fraudulent practices.
Key features of upcoming Aadhaar App
UIDAI authorities underlined multiple benefits for Aadhaar number holders like having Aadhaar details of up to five family members in the app; full control over what data of Aadhaar is shared; flexibility to disclose complete or selective Aadhaar information, one-click biometric lock/unlock for enhanced security and features like hassle-free mobile number and address update options.
New Aadhaar App potential use cases
Vivek Chandra Verma, DDG, UIDAI, gave a detailed presentation, explaining the purpose, scope, and practical usage of offline verification. The session also covered in detail the technical framework, integration pathways, and future-ready nature of the verification process.
UIDAI officials touched upon several aspects of offline verification and its potential use cases including hotel check-ins, residential society entry, event access etc. Officials explained the various modes of offline verification including the QR-based verification.
Participants were also given a detailed overview of the advantages offered by offline verification like option to verify and share complete or selective Aadhaar information and ability to confirm proof of presence through offline face verification.
The session received an overwhelming response from ecosystem partners with numerous queries being addressed live by the UIDAI team. Participants were encouraged to engage with UIDAI for exploring use cases, technical integration requirements and process of onboarding as Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs).
