No More Aadhaar Photocopies: UIDAI Plans New QR-Based Verification to Curb Misuse of Photocopies

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning to introduce a new rule to stop entities such as hotels and event organizers from taking photocopies of customers’ Aadhaar cards and storing them. This practice is against the current Aadhaar Act.

UIDAI’s CEO, Bhuvnesh Kumar, said that the authority has approved a new system where such entities must register with UIDAI if they want to verify a person’s Aadhaar. Once registered, they will get access to a new technology that allows them to verify someone’s identity simply by scanning the QR code on the Aadhaar card or by using a new Aadhaar app that is being developed. This will make the process safer and prevent misuse of personal information.

The new verification process will also resolve problems related to various works that get delayed due to downtime of intermediate servers that connect with the central Aadhaar database. Entities can easily update their system through application programming interface (API) for Aadhaar verification without having to visit an Aadhaar center.

UIDAI is also planning to launch an app that will allow app-to-app verification without needing to connect with the central Aadhaar database server for every verification. This new application can also be used at places such as airports and shops that need to sell age-appropriate products.

Bhuvnesh Kumar further added, “The ease of verification will enhance offline verification without the use of paper while maintaining the privacy of users or any risk of their Aadhaar data getting leaked for misuse.”

The government is working on a new app to make Aadhaar authentication smoother and more secure, following the rules of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. This app is expected to be fully ready in about 18 months. With it, people will be able to easily update their address proof documents online. The app will also let families add members who don’t have their own mobile phones so that everyone can manage their Aadhaar details more conveniently.