New Aadhaar Card: Big Change in Aadhaar Card! Only Photo and QR Code! UIDAI is Bringing a New Card and App to Protect Personal Data

New Aadhaar Card: A revolutionary change is coming to the world of identity cards for Indian citizens. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning to introduce a new type of Aadhaar card, with the primary goal of strengthening the security of users’ personal data. This new card will feature only the cardholder’s photo and a QR code, instead of printed personal details. It is hoped that this will help prevent the misuse of the Aadhaar card.

Why the Need for This New Aadhaar Card?

Currently, hotels, event organisers, and many other entities collect physical copies of Aadhaar cards as proof of identity, which goes against existing law. These printed copies are often misused. UIDAI officials have emphasised that Aadhaar verification should be done only using the Aadhaar number or the QR code, not based on the printed details on the card. This is because printed cards can be easily forged. The decision to introduce the new format Aadhaar card has been made to address these issues.

An Advanced New Aadhaar App is Coming

Not just a new card, UIDAI is also set to launch a new Aadhaar app that will replace the current mAadhaar app. Through this app, users will be able to share their digital identity via a QR code or verifiable credentials. This will maintain data privacy and enhance security.

The app is being developed in line with the new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which will be fully operational within the next 18 months. Entities that require identity verification, such as banks, hotels, and fintech firms, have already been briefed about the app’s capabilities.

Key Features of the New App

This app includes several user-friendly and security-oriented features. Some of the notable ones are:

• Masked Aadhaar: The facility to share only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number when needed.
• Adding Family Members: Family members who do not own a mobile phone can be added to a profile.
• Face Authentication: State-of-the-art technology to verify identity by scanning the face. It can even be used to update a mobile number within a family.
• Biometric Lock/Unlock: Users can lock or unlock their biometric information for added security.
• PIN-based Access: The facility to use a PIN to keep the app secure.
• Address Proof Update: Users can update their address proof documents directly through the app.

This QR code-based verification system can be used for age verification, entry into events, hotel check-ins, or any context where identity proof is required. It will ensure real-time validation and privacy safeguards. The app is currently available in an early access phase on app stores, and UIDAI is encouraging users to provide feedback for further improvements.