The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is working on a new Aadhaar card design to improve privacy and prevent misuse of personal information, according to PTI report. In this new version, the card will show only the holder’s photo and a QR code, removing details like name, address and Aadhaar number. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, during an online event about the new Aadhaar app, said the update is meant to reduce offline verification by hotels, event organisers and other agencies that usually collect photocopies of Aadhaar cards.
Change follows Aadhaar Act guidelines
The change follows the Aadhaar Act, which clearly states that no organisation is allowed to collect, use, or store a person’s Aadhaar number or biometric details for offline checks. However, many places still keep photocopies of Aadhaar cards, which increases the risk of misuse and fraud.
The new card design aims to improve privacy while making age verification quicker. All important information will be stored inside the QR code, so authorised agencies can verify a person’s Aadhaar without seeing their personal details.
New Aadhaar app to replace mAadhaar
UIDAI is also developing a new Aadhaar app to replace the current mAadhaar app. This upgraded app will let users update their address proof, add family members who don’t have mobile phones, and change their mobile number using facial authentication. It will also support Aadhaar-based verification in hotels, cinemas, events, colleges, and other places where age or identity proof is required.
UIDAI plans to roll out the new rules in December 2025. After that, any organisation that wants to do offline verification will have to shift to the new system once it gets official approval.
