Handing over copies of your Aadhaar has been optional practice during hotel check-ins, airport counters, office visits and when entering events for years. This ritual frequently laid open intimate personal information when a simple confirmation of identity would have sufficed. Now, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is working on a massive upgrade that may render physical copies obsolete. The authority is looking to shift Aadhaar authentication onto more secure, QR-code-based digital methods, increasing the privacy and minimising misuse of personal data when verifying identities on a day-to-day basis.
In the past, Aadhaar photocopies used at hotels and airports and even those handed out at events, have disclosed complete addresses, dates of birth and Aadhaar numbers. In most instances, users had no option but to consent. The UIDAI’s latest plan is to share only the barest details of your identity so that no one has unnecessary data about you when they ping for a verification.
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How the New Aadhaar Verification Will Work
Under the new regime, hotels, event organisers, airline counters and government help desks, among others, would have to be registered with UIDAI as a verifier. After the approvals, they will be allowed to verify identity through QR code scans or using the new Aadhaar app. Crucially, the system will not allow verifiers to save, take a copy or download Aadhaar data.
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar said the goal is to curb misuse by strictly limiting what information verifiers can access. Only essential identity details will be displayed, while sensitive fields remain hidden.
The new Aadhaar app will be developed in such a way that it can function even with poor or fluctuating internet connectivity. When a network is available, it can sync with UIDAI servers to keep QR-based verification going in remote areas or even during an outage. Users will also be able to digitally update address details and add family members who do not have a smartphone.
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UIDAI’s QR-based Aadhaar verification, if taken up at a large-scale level, can also reduce the requirement of carrying photocopies or plastic copies of the Aadhaar card. Identity verification may become quicker, more secure and just as private, while also adding another layer of convenience to the daily commutes, hotel stays and event check-ins for millions.