UIDAI Plans Aadhaar Cards With Only Photo and QR Code
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is considering making major changes to the Aadhaar card. The UIDAI is considering issuing Aadhaar cards with just a photo and QR code to prevent misuse of the card through Aadhaar details and eliminate offline verification.
Speaking at an open online conference on a new app for Aadhaar, UIDAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bhuvnesh Kumar said that the authority is considering bringing a new rule in December to discourage offline verification by entities like hotels, event organisers, etc.
What the Aadhaar Act says: Bhuvnesh Kumar said that using Aadhaar can enhance the age verification process while maintaining a person’s privacy. “We are considering why any additional details are needed on the card. It should only contain a photo and a QR code. If we print more information, people will believe that, and those who know how to misuse it will continue to do so” said Kumar.
According to the Aadhaar Act, an individual’s Aadhaar number or biometric details cannot be collected, used, or stored for offline verification. Yet, many organizations collect and store photocopies of Aadhaar cards.
