New Aadhaar App Brings Face ID, No More Physical Cards or Photocopies Needed
In a big leap towards a more secure and user-friendly digital experience, the Indian government has launched a brand-new Aadhaar mobile app that does away with the need for physical Aadhaar cards or photocopies. The app was officially unveiled by Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
“This app is designed to make Aadhaar verification as simple and secure as making a UPI payment,” Vaishnaw said, highlighting the use of Face ID authentication and QR code scanning as key features of the new system.
With this update, users can now verify their Aadhaar identity simply by scanning a QR code—no more handing over printed copies at hotels, stores, airports, or anywhere else. The app not only simplifies the process but places control firmly in the hands of users by allowing them to share only essential data, and only with their consent.
Vaishnaw emphasized the enhanced privacy and security measures, stating that the app ensures Aadhaar information cannot be forged, altered, or misused. “No physical card, no photocopies. Just a tap to verify or share,” he said in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The app is currently in beta testing but has been built with robust privacy safeguards, making sure the data remains protected at every step. According to Vaishnaw, the app aligns with India’s growing push towards digital public infrastructure (DPI) and AI integration, while keeping privacy and consent at the center.
The app will be available for downloads once the beta testing is done and all minor hiccups have been resolved.
Calling Aadhaar the “foundation” of many government schemes, the minister encouraged experts and innovators to explore ways AI can be combined with digital infrastructure to enhance services without compromising on privacy.
