No More Photocopies! Aadhaar Users Can Soon Share ID Digitally & Update Details Online
New Delhi, India – In a significant move towards digital convenience and data security, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is developing a new mobile app that will allow Aadhaar holders to share their identity details electronically instead of providing physical photocopies. The app will introduce a QR code-based system, enabling users to share either a full or masked version of their Aadhaar details, enhancing privacy and control over personal data.
Key Features of the Upcoming UIDAI Mobile App
1. QR Code-Based Identity Sharing
The new app will generate a QR code that can be scanned to verify Aadhaar details. Users will have the option to display:
- Full Aadhaar information (when legally required)
- Masked details (showing only necessary data, hiding sensitive information)
This feature aims to minimize unauthorized data exposure while ensuring seamless verification for services requiring Aadhaar authentication.
2. Online Updates for Personal Details
Currently, only address changes can be updated online, while modifications to name, gender, or date of birth require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. However, UIDAI is working on expanding online updates to include:
- Name changes
- Date of birth corrections
- Mobile number updates
- Address modifications
Once implemented, users will no longer need to visit centres for most updates—only fingerprint and iris scans will still require physical verification.
3. Expanded Document Linking for Address Verification
To strengthen identity verification, UIDAI plans to link electricity bills with Aadhaar records, in addition to existing documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Driving licences
- Passports
- PAN cards
- PDS (Public Distribution System) cards
- MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) records
This integration will help reduce fake documents and improve the accuracy of Aadhaar-linked services.
4. Wider Adoption Across Private Services
UIDAI is in talks with hotels, security firms, and other private service providers to integrate Aadhaar-based authentication, even though these sectors are not currently mandated by law to use Aadhaar. The goal is to expand Aadhaar’s utility while ensuring users retain full control over their data sharing preferences.
Why This Matters
The upcoming changes will:
✔ Reduce dependency on physical Aadhaar copies
✔ Enhance user privacy with selective data sharing
✔ Simplify updates without visiting centres
✔ Strengthen fraud prevention through document linking
With these upgrades, UIDAI aims to make Aadhaar more secure, convenient, and widely accessible across India’s digital ecosystem.
