In a major step to strengthen digital privacy and curb misuse of personal data, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to roll out a new nationwide rule that will prohibit hotels, event organisers, and similar entities from collecting and storing physical photocopies of Aadhaar cards. The move aims to replace paper-based verification with secure QR-based digital authentication.
New Framework for Aadhaar Verification Approved
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar confirmed that the authority has approved a fresh verification framework that mandates registration of all offline Aadhaar verification-seeking entities such as hotels and event organisers. Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), Kumar stated that the objective is to completely discourage paper-based Aadhaar verification, which is already a violation under the Aadhaar Act.
Under the new system, verification will be carried out through QR code scanning or via a new UIDAI mobile application that is currently under development. The rule is expected to be officially notified soon.
Offline Verification to Get API Access
To resolve issues caused by disruptions in intermediary servers that route Aadhaar authentication requests, UIDAI will provide registered entities with access to an API (application programming interface). This will allow them to integrate offline verification directly into their existing software systems.
UIDAI is also beta-testing an advanced app that will support app-to-app authentication without requiring real-time connection to the central Aadhaar database. This feature will be particularly useful at locations such as airports and retail outlets selling age-restricted products.
Stronger Privacy and Zero Paper Trail
Kumar said the updated framework is designed to eliminate the risks associated with paper storage and potential data leaks. With QR-based verification, users will no longer need to hand over photocopies of their Aadhaar cards, significantly reducing chances of misuse, identity theft, or unauthorized circulation of sensitive personal information.
The system will ensure that only essential verification details are shared, while the Aadhaar number and biometric data remain protected.
Aligned With Upcoming Data Protection Law
The new verification process is also aligned with India’s upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which is expected to become fully functional within the next 18 months. The revamped Aadhaar app will also allow users to upload updated address proof and add family members, including those without mobile phones, onto a single account.
With this move, UIDAI is signalling a decisive shift toward privacy-first digital governance and paperless identity verification across India.
