In a significant move towards digital governance, the Indian government on Wednesday unveiled a new Aadhaar application designed to streamline identity management for citizens. This innovative app eliminates the necessity of submitting physical copies of Aadhaar for verification purposes and removes the requirement to visit Aadhaar centers for updating personal details, offering a fully digital solution.
Enhanced Digital Identity Management
The newly launched app allows users to securely store their Aadhaar details on mobile devices, thereby doing away with the need to carry and present a physical card during verification processes. This feature not only enhances convenience but also reduces the risk of loss or damage to physical documents.
Quick Updates and Authentication Monitoring
Users can now make changes to their addresses and mobile numbers within minutes, subject to confirmation by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Additionally, the app provides the capability to monitor authentication history, enabling individuals to keep a detailed record of where their Aadhaar details have been used for verification. This functionality enhances oversight and control over the use of their digital identity, promoting greater transparency.
Privacy and Security Features
At the launch event, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan addressed privacy concerns, emphasizing that the platform is built around the principle of data minimization. He noted that past reports of Aadhaar data leaks largely resulted from excessive data collection by third parties rather than breaches in the central database.
"Collection of Aadhaar data by these third parties creates vulnerability. This is what we are trying to minimize," Krishnan further added, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding citizen data.
Advanced Functionalities
The app supports the management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, all linked to the same phone number. It empowers users with the ability to selectively share personal information, ensuring that only necessary details are disclosed during verification processes. Moreover, the app includes a QR code identity scan feature, allowing users to quickly and securely confirm their identity at authorized terminals.
This launch marks a pivotal step in India's digital transformation, offering citizens a more efficient and secure way to manage their identities while addressing longstanding privacy concerns.
