A new Aadhaar app will be launched by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) soon, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said at the Aadhaar Samvaad event in Delhi on Tuesday.
"Aadhaar verification becomes as simple as making UPI payment. Users can now digitally verify and share their Aadhaar details while ensuring their privacy. Simply scan a QR code or use a requesting application," said Vaishnaw.
The new app has a revamped design, compared to the existing mAadhaar app. It also has a facial recognition feature to securely share Aadhaar data with hotels and other “requesting” entities without the need to share a hard copy.
The app will essentially allow users to avoid sharing a physical Aadhaar card or photocopy at hotels, airports and other places where the document is used as an ID proof, allowing users instead to simply scan a QR code and use their own phone to scan their face to verify their identity. The app is currently available to a closed group currently and will be rolled out widely after testing.
Facial recognition
A major innovation in the app is the integration of Aadhaar Face Authentication, which is witnessing rapid adoption across sectors and have clocked over 15 crore transactions per month, said UIDAI in a statement.
"This app is an early adopters’ release for a small group of users including all the registered participants of this Aadhaar Samvaad event. Based on the feedback received from users and ecosystem partners, UIDAI will soon make it accessible to all."
