UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app to end photocopies, enable selective data sharing

Unveiled on UIDAI Day, the new Aadhaar app allows digital, offline and privacy-focused verification, with plans to merge it with the existing mAadhaar platform.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday launched a new Aadhaar application aimed at giving users greater control over their personal data while simplifying verification and update processes. The app was unveiled on UIDAI Day and dedicated to the nation by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada at an event held in New Delhi.

UIDAI plans to eventually merge this new app with the existing mAadhaar app, creating a single, unified platform for Aadhaar-related services.
A key objective of the new app is to move Aadhaar usage away from physical cards and photocopies, which are often misused, stored improperly or shared without consent. Instead of handing over a physical Aadhaar copy, users can now share their Aadhaar details digitally and selectively.

The app introduces a new offline verification system through entities known as Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs). These entities generate a QR code, which Aadhaar holders can scan using the app to share verified information. Importantly, this process does not require access to UIDAI’s central database, strengthening privacy and security. Around 18 early adopter OVSEs participated in the launch event.

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Users can choose exactly what information to share. For example, during a hotel check-in, a person may share only their name, instead of revealing their full Aadhaar details. UIDAI said this feature directly addresses long-standing privacy and security concerns.

Officials, however, acknowledged a practical challenge. Some entities, such as hotels that are not registered as OVSEs, may claim they lack the necessary technology and continue to demand Aadhaar photocopies. This persists despite the Aadhaar Act clearly prohibiting the retention of Aadhaar copies.

UIDAI clarified that registering as an OVSE or downloading the app is not mandatory. However, officials expressed confidence that adoption would grow organically. As more users begin using the app, more entities are expected to onboard, creating a mutual push for wider acceptance.

In another major announcement, UIDAI said Aadhaar holders can now push their Aadhaar credentials to digital wallets operated by Samsung, Google and DigiLocker, all of which have partnered with the authority. UIDAI also confirmed that talks are underway with Apple to enable Aadhaar credential sharing on Apple Wallet.

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Responding to data security concerns, a senior UIDAI official said Aadhaar data would be accessible to these wallet providers, but emphasised that the system is trust-based. The official noted that users already trust platforms like Google Password Manager and can similarly decide whether they trust Google, Samsung or Apple to store their Aadhaar credentials.

UIDAI officials also reiterated that most Aadhaar-related data leaks have occurred due to third-party breaches, and not from UIDAI’s own systems.