The government is soon introducing new regulations related to Aadhaar. After these rules are implemented, hotels, event organizers, and similar venues will no longer collect or store physical photocopies of Aadhaar cards.
The government has stated that using paper-based Aadhaar verification is illegal and also a major privacy risk.
UIDAI has approved a new framework for this process. Under this system, any organization that wants to perform offline Aadhaar verification must first register with UIDAI.\ After registration, they can use QR code–based or app-based verification. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar confirmed that the rule has been approved and will be notified soon.
Digital Verification for Hotels and Event Venues
Under the new rules, hotels, event organizers, event venues, and similar entities will receive access to a secure API after registering with UIDAI. Using this API, they can verify Aadhaar digitally, without keeping any physical copies.
The main goal of UIDAI is to remove the use of paper copies to reduce the chances of Aadhaar data leakage.
New Aadhaar App for Offline Verification
UIDAI is also testing a new app that will enable app-to-app Aadhaar verification, removing the need for a live connection to the central Aadhaar server each time.
This app will be available at airports, retail stores (where age verification is needed), event venues, and other such locations. Users will also be able to update their address proof and add family members who do not have mobile phones.
Better Reliability and Stronger Privacy
At present, Aadhaar verification sometimes fails due to server downtime. The new system will solve this issue. With QR code and app-based verification, the process will continue smoothly even during technical interruptions.
UIDAI says the new method will greatly improve privacy. By ending the need for photocopies, data storage will be more secure, and the chances of Aadhaar misuse will reduce.
The upcoming app is also being developed according to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which will be fully implemented within the next 18 months.