New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a major push towards paperless governance and secure digital identity, the Government on Wednesday launched a new Aadhaar mobile application that eliminates the need for submitting or carrying physical copies of the Aadhaar card for verification purposes.


The newly introduced app enables citizens to manage, verify and share their Aadhaar details digitally, significantly reducing dependency on physical documents and visits to Aadhaar centres. Officials said the move is aimed at enhancing convenience while strengthening privacy safeguards.


According to the government, Aadhaar details will now be securely stored on users’ mobile devices, allowing seamless identity verification without handing over photocopies. The app also simplifies the process of updating personal details such as address and mobile number, subject to confirmation by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).


Among the key highlights of the app are its ability to digitally verify Aadhaar without physical documents, secure storage of Aadhaar credentials on mobile devices, and real-time tracking of where Aadhaar details have been used for authentication, giving users greater oversight and control over their digital identity.


The app further allows users to monitor their authentication history, manage up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device linked to the same phone number, and selectively share only essential personal information, ensuring minimum data disclosure.
Another significant feature is the QR-code based verification system, which enables authorised agencies to confirm identity quickly and securely through scanning, reducing the risk of data misuse and fraud.


Speaking at the launch, Electronics and IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the government remains deeply conscious of privacy concerns. He noted that past reports of Aadhaar data leaks were largely linked to excessive data collection by third parties rather than breaches of the central Aadhaar database. The new app, he said, has been designed around the principle of data minimisation.
Officials believe the app will strengthen trust in Aadhaar-based services, promote transparency and reinforce the government’s broader Digital India vision by placing greater control of personal data directly in the hands of citizens.