Aadhaar QR Verification: Aadhaar usage has increased significantly in the country over the past few years. It has become the most trusted form of identification for banking, SIM cards, hotel check-in, government schemes, and tax filing. As its use increases, so does its risk. Therefore, UIDAI is continuously taking steps to prevent misuse of Aadhaar. In many places, photocopies were required for verification.
This practice had become a significant risk, as photocopies provided at any hotel or event could compromise your data if they fell into the wrong hands. Now, UIDAI is introducing new regulations that will prohibit the request for Aadhaar photocopies and allow identification to be verified solely through QR-based verification. This will strengthen identity security and enable the entire system to be digitally verified.
Verification rules have been changed
UIDAI has made it clear that no hotel, club, event organizer, or private organization will be able to obtain Aadhaar photocopies going forward. This is not only unsafe but also considered a violation of the Aadhaar Act. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar stated that any company wishing to perform Aadhaar verification will now be required to register under the new framework.
This will allow them to act as offline verification-seeking entities. This will reduce the risk of identity theft and make verification faster. UIDAI’s focus is to ensure that entities can only access essential data and that no other information is stored. These rules are necessary because, under the old model, photocopies or scanned copies could become a risk anywhere.
QR based offline verification
According to UIDAI, after removing the photocopy, the entire process will be QR-based. The QR code in the new Aadhaar card and e-Aadhaar displays your photo and basic details along with a digital signature. Hotels and clubs will only be able to view information such as your name, age, and photo by scanning the QR code. Your address or other important information will not be visible.
Additionally, UIDAI will offer API-based authentication and verification options within the new Aadhaar app. UIDAI is also considering a future model of Aadhaar card that features only the photo and QR code on the front, with all other information removed from the back. This will eliminate the need for a physical copy for Aadhaar authentication.