Bhubaneswar: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning a major redesign of the Aadhaar card aimed at significantly enhancing user privacy and data security. The new Aadhaar format, expected to be rolled out from December, will feature only the cardholder’s photograph and a Quick Response (QR) code, with all printed personal details removed.
Under the proposed design, information such as the Aadhaar number, name, address and date of birth will no longer appear in readable text on the physical card. Instead, all demographic and identity data will be embedded in an encrypted QR code. The information can be accessed only through authorised verification systems, ensuring controlled and purpose-specific disclosure.
Officials said the move is intended to curb misuse of Aadhaar data, particularly in situations where photocopies of the card are routinely collected and stored by hotels, offices, event organisers and other service providers. By eliminating visible personal details, UIDAI aims to reduce the risk of identity theft, data leaks and unauthorised profiling.
To support the redesigned card, UIDAI is also developing a new mobile application that will enable secure Aadhaar verification through QR code scanning and face authentication. The app is expected to allow individuals to share only the minimum required information for verification, without handing over physical copies of their Aadhaar card.
The initiative reflects UIDAI’s broader push towards privacy-by-design and digital-first authentication. Officials emphasised that Aadhaar will increasingly function as a secure digital identity tool rather than a document meant for widespread photocopying.
Once implemented, the redesigned Aadhaar card and supporting digital infrastructure are expected to strengthen data protection, improve user control over personal information, and align Aadhaar usage with evolving privacy and cybersecurity standards.
-OdishaAge
