New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled a revamped Aadhaar mobile app enabling users to verify identity details like age without oversharing sensitive data such as full Aadhaar numbers or photocopies. Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada launched the “privacy-first” tool during UIDAI Day celebrations, hailing it as a leap for Digital India by minimizing data exposure in daily transactions.
According to reports, the app designed under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act principles, introduces “One Family – One App,” allowing management of up to five family Aadhaars on a single device. Users generate QR codes or masked shares for selective disclosure — revealing only name, age, gender, or address as needed for services like hotel check-ins, SIM issuance, or job verifications. Offline QR scanning works without internet, ideal for rural or low-connectivity areas, while face authentication and consent-based sharing prevent misuse.
Key upgrades replace the older mAadhaar app: password-protected e-Aadhaar downloads, real-time update tracking (mobile, address), transaction history, and biometric locks. “Show, share, verify seamlessly—your data stays yours,” UIDAI emphasized, addressing complaints over photocopy risks that fuel identity theft. Available on Android and iOS, it supports 1.4 billion Aadhaar holders, streamlining travel, banking, and govt schemes amid India’s 300 million annual air passengers.
The launch counters privacy critiques post-2024 expansions, with end-to-end encryption and no long-term data storage by verifiers, the reports said. Early adopters praise family features for senior citizens and travelers, reducing paperwork. Critics like digital rights groups welcome data minimization but seek audits on private-sector integrations.
UIDAI eyes nationwide rollout by March, partnering platforms for QR adoption. This positions Aadhaar as a global digital ID benchmark, boosting “ease of living” as India targets paperless governance.
