New Delhi: Eliminating the requirement for physical Aadhaar copies or visits to Aadhaar centres for routine updates, the government on Wednesday launched a new Aadhaar app that allows users to manage and verify their identity entirely through digital means.
With the new app, Aadhaar details can be stored securely on mobile devices, removing the need to carry or submit physical cards for verification. Users can now update their address and mobile number within minutes, subject to confirmation by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
The app also enables users to track their authentication history, allowing them to see where and when their Aadhaar details have been used for verification—an added feature aimed at improving transparency and user control over personal data.
Unveiling the app, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said the government has prioritised privacy, building the platform on the principle of data minimisation. He said past reports of Aadhaar data leaks were largely due to excessive data collection by third parties, rather than breaches of the central Aadhaar database.
“Collection of Aadhaar data by these third parties creates vulnerabilities. This is what we are trying to minimise,” Krishnan said.
The app allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device linked to the same mobile number. It also lets users selectively share personal information, ensuring that only essential details are disclosed. A QR-code-based identity scan feature enables quick and secure verification at authorised terminals.
