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The biggest and most revolutionary change is going to take place in the form and security system of Aadhar Card, which has become the strongest basis of digital identity in India. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is working on a new minimalist and high-tech card design to strengthen the data privacy and security of Aadhaar cardholders at par with global standards. Till now, the Aadhaar card on which name, date of birth, complete address and identification number was printed openly, now there is a plan to introduce a card with only a secure digital photo and high-tech encrypted QR Code. The main objective behind this move is to completely eliminate data leaks and frauds through photocopies taken at hotels, travels, SIM card verification and private offices.
The new design proposed by UIDAI has kept privacy at the forefront:
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Only photo and QR code on front of card: The front of the new card will feature a clear digital photograph of the cardholder, the official emblem of the Government of India and a large, highly secure encrypted QR code.
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Personal data will not be open: The person’s full address, date of birth or other sensitive identifying details will not be printed as plain text on the card.
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Encrypted Data Storage: All the basic information of the cardholder will be encrypted along with the digital signature within the same QR code, which can be decoded only through UIDAI authorized scanners and official apps.
Till now, physical photocopy of the card was submitted as proof of identity in hotels, airports, examination centers and rented houses. These unsafe copies often fell into the wrong hands and became a means of cyber fraud and fake SIM activation. In the new system:
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No More Photocopies: Service providers will no longer be allowed to take paper photocopies.
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QR Code Scanning: The verifier will simply scan the QR code printed on the card with an official scanner, thereby completing offline authentication instantly without loading the central server.
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Face Authentication coordination: To further strengthen the verification, smartphone based face authentication is also being added along with QR scan, which will make it completely impossible to use someone else’s card.
Amidst the discussions about the proposed model of the new card, confusion is also spreading among the common citizens whether their old Aadhaar cards will immediately become invalid or junk. According to UIDAI sources and current rules:
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Old cards will remain fully valid: All valid Aadhaar cards, PVC cards and digital e-Aadhaar currently held by citizens will remain fully valid and legally effective as before.
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Phased Upgrade: When the new card is formally rolled out to the public, citizens will be provided the option to re-print their old card in the new format or download it online. The services of any citizen will not be stopped suddenly.
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Safe alternative to masked Aadhaar: Until the new format reaches everyone’s hands widely, citizens can maintain their privacy by downloading ‘Masked Aadhaar’ from the official portal.
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) rules implemented by the government, it is a legal offense to store personal data of any citizen without strict need and consent. The new Secure QR Card is being prepared in accordance with this law, so that citizens share only necessary information while proving their identity and there cannot be any kind of digital breach in their personal life.