A new Aadhaar app has been introduced to address the common practice of requesting Aadhaar card photocopies for verification at various establishments. The app, launched on December 1 for Android and iPhone users, features an innovative “Offline Verification” function aimed at eliminating the need for physical copies.
The government aims to streamline the authentication process by encouraging offline verification through the redesigned Aadhaar app. This approach seeks to enhance user privacy by minimizing the disclosure of personal information during routine verification processes.
To implement offline verification, organizations and entities must register with UIDAI. Although the feature is already available in the app, it will take time to become widely adopted in practical scenarios.
In a significant move, UIDAI has mandated that entities must register with the government to utilize offline Aadhaar verification for customer identification. The offline verification method offers users the flexibility to selectively share information, enhancing security and privacy.
The new Aadhaar app offers two main options for offline verification: “Share ID” and “Scan QR code.” Users can choose the details to share and securely transmit them via platforms like WhatsApp or email. Alternatively, scanning a QR code provided by the verifying entity offers a convenient offline verification method, similar to UPI code scanning.
While the offline verification process aims to enhance privacy and security by avoiding photocopies, it may introduce new verification requirements in various settings, potentially impacting user convenience. Despite the shift away from physical copies, the digital trail created through offline verification poses privacy concerns.
The step-by-step guide for downloading and using the new Aadhaar app includes setting up the app, verifying Aadhaar details with OTP, completing face authentication, and configuring a security PIN. The app allows users to display a dynamic QR code for verification, enabling service providers to scan it or review selected fields for each interaction.