The government has introduced a new Aadhaar mobile app designed to offer secure and paperless digital identity verification. The new Aadhaar app removes the requirement of carrying physical documents or providing photocopies for identity verification.
The launch was held during the third edition of ‘Aadhaar Samvaad’, a stakeholder conference hosted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in New Delhi. The event saw the participation of around 750 policymakers, industry leaders, and experts.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the app and said it simplifies Aadhaar verification through features like facial recognition and QR code scanning. He noted that the app ensures user privacy by allowing people to share only necessary data, digitally and with consent.
UIDAI noted that the app is developed with advanced privacy safeguards. It is designed to block any unauthorized access, tampering, or misuse of Aadhaar data, with users retaining full control over what information is shared and when.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
- Digital-only Aadhaar verification via mobile
- Face ID authentication for added security
- QR code scanning for instant identity verification, similar to UPI
- No requirement to carry or submit Aadhaar photocopies
- 100% consent-based data sharing
- Protection against unauthorized use or editing of Aadhaar information
- Enhanced privacy safeguards
- Secure real-time data transfer directly from the user’s device
- Seamless verification at hotels, airports, shops, and other points
- Simple interface for quick use
The app integrates Aadhaar Face Authentication, which is already seeing over 15 crore transactions every month. UIDAI stated that this digital method is becoming widely adopted across sectors for identity verification.
The app is aimed at reducing dependence on physical documents, lowering the risk of data leaks, and simplifying authentication in everyday scenarios such as hotel check-ins, airport security, and retail purchases.
Availability
Currently, the app is in beta testing and available only to a limited group, including registered participants of the Aadhaar Samvaad event. UIDAI plans to expand access after incorporating feedback from users and ecosystem partners.