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Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) | Ministry of Electronics & IT
To mark the anniversary of its foundation, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a revamped Aadhaar App, designed to provide a more secure and user-friendly mobile interface for residents. This dedicated application enables over 1.4 billion citizens to carry their digital identity, including demographics and photographs, directly on their smartphones. The app is a central component of India’s evolving digital public infrastructure, aiming to eliminate the necessity for physical documents while ensuring identity services are available on demand.
Advanced Security and Privacy Features The updated platform introduces several technical enhancements to protect user data and simplify authentication:
Resident Profile Management: The app allows users to link and manage up to five different Aadhaar profiles, enabling the concept of “One Family – One App”. This will make it easier for heads of households to manage identity services for family members.
Granular Biometric Control: A key security update includes the Biometric Locking/Unlocking feature, which empowers residents to digitally lock their biometrics to prevent unauthorized authentication attempts.
Privacy-First Authentication: Users can generate a Virtual ID (VID) to use in place of their actual Aadhaar number. Additionally, the app supports Paperless Offline e-KYC, allowing for identity verification via a secure QR code without sharing sensitive details or requiring an active internet connection.
Network-Independent Security: The inclusion of a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) allows for secure authentication even in areas with zero mobile network reception, as the code is generated locally within the app.
Inclusive Design and Service Integration The application is built with a focus on regional inclusivity, offering support for multiple Indian languages to ensure accessibility for diverse linguistic groups. It integrates various self-service features, such as address updates, request status tracking, and digital downloads of the Aadhaar letter. By consolidating these functions into a mobile-first environment, the UIDAI aims to enhance the efficiency of service delivery and reduce the dependence on physical Aadhaar centers.
What is the significance of “Offline e-KYC” in the new Aadhaar App? Offline e-KYC is a secure, shareable document that allows residents to verify their identity without the UIDAI having to track the transaction. It uses a digitally signed QR code that contains the resident’s name, address, and photo but masks the Aadhaar number. This ensures that the user can fulfill KYC requirements at banks or telecom outlets while maintaining a high level of privacy and functioning without a live internet connection.
Policy Relevance
The launch of the dedicated Aadhaar App signifies a transition toward decentralized and user-led identity management.
Empowering Data Sovereignty: By providing tools like Biometric Locking and VID generation, the policy shifts the responsibility and power of data protection directly to the individual resident.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Evolution: The app strengthens the “Identity Layer” of the India Stack, making it more resilient by introducing offline capabilities that are vital for rural and low-connectivity regions.
Operational Efficiency: Shifting common tasks like address updates and KYC to a mobile platform reduces the administrative overhead for the government and lowers the cost of identity verification for the private sector.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can the UIDAI ensure that the biometric locking features are effectively communicated to rural populations to prevent identity fraud in the informal economy?
Follow the full news here: New Aadhaar App dedicated to the nation