Are you also tired of providing photocopies of your Aadhaar card at hotels, airports, colleges, banks, and everywhere else? Now, this problem can be solved in seconds with the new Aadhaar verification app launched by the government. This app allows you to complete your Aadhaar verification by scanning your face, without wasting time. So, photocopies are now a thing of the past. Let’s explore all the information related to this new Aadhaar app, how it works, and how safe it is for users.
What is the New Aadhaar App?
The Union Minister of Information and Technology of India, Ashwini Vaishnav, launched a new Aadhaar app, named Aadhaar FaceRD, on April 8. Information related to this has been shared on X (formerly Twitter) with a video. Through this app, people will be able to digitally store their Aadhaar card details. As per GOI, the Aadhaar verification will be made easier, faster, and more secure with the new Aadhaar app. This app has been developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Currently, a beta version of the app has been launched in Delhi for testing, meaning only a few users will be able to use it. After technical changes, it will be launched for everyone. This app is part of the Digital India plan, which aims to reduce paperwork and promote digital verification.
Key Benefits of the New Aadhaar FaceRD App
i) Simplified Aadhaar Verification: Aadhaar verification will be as easy as making a UPI payment.
ii) Paperless Process: Eliminates the need for physical documents.
iii) Wide Applicability: Easy to use at hotels, travel, colleges, cinema halls, and many other places.
iv) Fraud Prevention: Prevents misuse of Aadhaar details and protects against fraud.
How to Use the New Aadhaar App
Using this app involves five easy steps:
i) Download the new Aadhaar Face RD app from the Play Store.
ii) Open the app and scan the QR code of the hotel, airport, or other location to verify your identity.
iii) The app will ask which information you want to share, such as your name, date of birth, and address.
v) After granting permission, your face verification will be done on the app.
vi) Finally, your data will be verified, and the information will be shared.
Aadhaar Face RD vs. Old mAadhaar App: Difference?
The Aadhaar Face RD app differs significantly from the old mAadhaar app on following aspects:
i) The old app is used to view and update the Aadhaar profile.
ii) It allows downloading the Aadhaar card, eKYC, ordering a new PVC card, and updating the address.
iii) Data can be shared or updated via OTP (One-Time Password) which will be sent to the registered mobile number.
iv) The QR code of the Aadhaar card can be scanned, or information can be viewed through OTP on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
v) The new Aadhaar Face RD app will not require OTP, as it is a Face Authentication App.
Advantages of the New Aadhaar Face RD App
The new app will be used to verify the user’s identity and share data. Through this, the process of Aadhaar verification has to be made like a UPI payment, due to which you will avoid keeping photocopies or Aadhaar cards. There is no need for OTP in this app because it is a face authentication app, in which the user can verify their face and share data. Data will not be shared without the user’s permission, which keeps all your data completely safe and secure.
Will the Old mAadhaar App Be Discontinued?
UIDAI has not provided any clear information about whether the old mAadhaar app will be discontinued. However, both apps are used for different tasks, so the chances of the old app being discontinued are low. The old app was intended to keep the Aadhaar card in digital form, while the new app focuses on privacy and ease with features like facial recognition and QR scanning. UIDAI is considering running both apps so that people can get all the facilities and information about any changes will be given later.
Is the New Aadhaar App Mandatory for Every Indian Citizen?
No, it is not mandatory. This app is only for users who need it. If someone wants to use their Aadhaar with this app, they can install it, but if someone does not need it, there is no compulsion to install it.
Security and Privacy
The central government and UIDAI state that the new app has been created keeping security and user privacy in mind. Currently, its beta version has been launched, which will be updated further. Cyber security experts have stated that the new Aadhaar app is in its initial phase, which is quite secure and maintains user privacy. All government apps are like this. When this app is fully launched, its security and privacy features will be visible. The government plans to use this app for QR verification at airports and hotels. In the future, it will also be used in railway tickets, movie tickets, and other services. Central Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has taken guidance from experts for the development of the new app.
UIDAI has said that this app is currently for some special users and early adopters, which include people associated with the Aadhaar Samvad program. After receiving feedback from everyone, UIDAI will update it and make it available to everyone soon. In 2023, a report came out in which it was said that data of 81 crore users of Aadhaar card is being sold on the dark web. In such a situation, the central government will have to implement a strong security system in the app keeping in mind the privacy of the user, which can protect against any fraud.