Aadhaar as a Pillar of Digital Governance
After unveiling the new app, Shri Prasada congratulated UIDAI for its continued innovation and described Aadhaar as a digital governance showpiece of the Government of India. He noted that at India’s scale, a digital identity system is not merely a technological achievement but a foundation of public trust, empowerment, and good governance.
The Minister said the new Aadhaar App would further simplify service delivery, making identity verification faster, hassle-free, and more secure across public and private sectors.
Privacy-First Design with Consent Control
The new Aadhaar App has been built with a strong emphasis on data minimisation and resident control. Users can now selectively share only the information required for a specific purpose, ensuring that unnecessary personal details are not disclosed.
Speaking at the event, S Krishan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said the app promotes selective sharing and enhances security by putting consent firmly in the hands of Aadhaar number holders.
Show, Share, Verify: Everyday Use Cases
Designed for ease of use across the entire spectrum of users, the Aadhaar App supports a wide range of real-life scenarios. These include hotel check-ins through Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) QR code scanning, age verification for cinema ticket bookings, and identity checks for hospital visitors and attendants.
The app also facilitates verification of gig workers and service partners, making it relevant for India’s growing platform economy while ensuring secure and paperless identity checks.
Advanced Features for Enhanced Security
Among its advanced functionalities, the app offers optional face verification for proof of presence, biometric lock and unlock in a single click, and the ability to view authentication history. These features are aimed at strengthening security while maintaining ease of use.
Another notable addition is the QR-based contact card, which allows users to securely share verified contact details without revealing their Aadhaar number.
One Family – One App Concept
The Aadhaar App allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, enabling the concept of “One Family – One App.” This feature is particularly useful for families managing digital identities of children or elderly members.
Residents can also update their address and registered mobile number directly through the app, with UIDAI indicating that more update services will be added in future versions.
Aligned with Data Protection Framework
UIDAI Chairman Shri Neelkanth Mishra described the transition from paper-based identity to a paperless and digital-first system as a significant leap forward. He reaffirmed UIDAI’s commitment to keeping people at the centre of innovation.
UIDAI CEO Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted that selective credential sharing through customised QR codes ensures Aadhaar numbers are not stored by verifying entities. Only digitally signed and verifiable credentials are shared, in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Strengthening India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
With the launch of the new Aadhaar App, India once again underscored a core principle of its digital public infrastructure: technology must be resident-centric, inclusive, and built on trust. The app expands Aadhaar’s usability while safeguarding privacy and empowering citizens with choice and control.
