The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is preparing to launch a new and upgraded Aadhaar app designed to offer paperless identity sharing and the ability to verify and share complete or selective Aadhaar-linked information, the authority said in an official statement on Wednesday.
Ahead of the app’s formal rollout, UIDAI conducted a detailed webinar titled “Offline Verification using the Aadhaar App”, which saw participation from over 250 organisations and individuals from different sectors. The session focused on educating stakeholders about the capabilities and benefits of the upcoming app.
According to UIDAI, the new Aadhaar app will significantly strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem by promoting offline digital verification and discouraging the use of physical Aadhaar cards or photocopies, which are more prone to misuse. The Aadhaar Act already permits offline verification but prohibits any entity from collecting, storing, or using Aadhaar numbers or biometric data for unauthorized purposes.
Key Features of the New Aadhaar App
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, who addressed the webinar, said the upcoming app will feature next-generation security and privacy capabilities aimed at empowering Aadhaar holders.
The app will offer:
- Paperless, offline identity verification
- Full control over what Aadhaar data is shared
- Option to share complete or selective Aadhaar information
- Ability to store Aadhaar details of up to five family members
- Instant biometric lock/unlock with one click
- Easy update options for mobile number and address
- Enhanced privacy-protecting mechanisms to reduce reliance on physical Aadhaar copies
Kumar emphasized that the technology behind the new Aadhaar app would help build a robust ecosystem of offline verification, reducing vulnerabilities linked to photocopied documents and increasing protection against fraudulent practices.
UIDAI officials reiterated that the primary goal is to provide citizens and institutions with a secure, convenient, and privacy-focused method of identity verification, supporting India’s transition to safer and more efficient digital systems.