Many indians are used to giving photocopies of their Aadhaar card whenever they check in at a hotel, register for an event, join a new organisation, or fill out a KYC form. people handed over their Aadhaar details — including name, address and Aadhaar number — and often the organisation kept a copy for their records.
Now, the Unique Identification Authority of india (UIDAI) and the government have approved a new rule that will end this common practice and replace it with secure, wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital Aadhaar verification.
Why Is This Rule Being Introduced?
The main reason is data privacy and security:
❌ Photocopies of Aadhaar are risky
· Photocopies contain full personal details (name, address, Aadhaar number).
· Once copied, they can be stored insecurely — in files, phones, whatsapp chats or paper files — creating a risk of misuse or identity theft.
📊 Current practice violates the Aadhaar Act
Under the Aadhaar Act, entities that collect and store Aadhaar details without proper authorization may be violating the law. uidai wants to limit this exposure and protect citizens’ personal data.
What’s Changing — No More Photocopying
✔ Hotels, event organisers, private businesses will no longer be allowed to:
· Ask you for a photocopy of your Aadhaar
· Store that photocopy in their systems
· Keep scanned images or pictures of your Aadhaar card
This applies to places like:
· Hotels and guesthouses
· event entry counters
· Clubs or societies
· Rental check‑ins
· Any non‑government service that previously asked for Aadhaar copies
Instead, these entities must verify identity digitally through approved methods.
What Will Replace Aadhaar Photocopies?
📱1. Aadhaar App Verification
UIDAI is introducing an updated Aadhaar mobile app that allows:
· Quick QR code scanning
· Selective disclosure of only the information needed
· Sharing just name/age/photo (not full Aadhaar details)
· Secure biometric or app‑to‑app checks
This is far safer than handing over a paper copy.
📷2. QR Code Scanning
Every Aadhaar card already has a QR code containing encrypted identity details.
Hotels and service providers can scan it using:
· Approved QR scanners
· The Aadhaar app
· Offline verification tools
This confirms your identity without storing personal data.
🔒3. Registration Requirement for Verifiers
Hotels, event organisers and other private entities will need to register with the UIDAI as approved verification agencies before they can verify Aadhaar digitally.
How It Benefits You (the Aadhaar Holder)
📌 Better Privacy
No physical Aadhaar photocopies floating around means less chance of:
· Identity theft
· Sensitive information leaks
· Data misuse by third parties
📌 Controlled Data Sharing
You can choose what data to share — e.g., just name and photo — instead of giving full details every time.
📌 No Need for Copies Everywhere
The new system replaces forms and photocopies with a quick wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital scan, making check‑ins easier and more secure.
Is Your Physical Aadhaar Still Valid?
Yes — your physical Aadhaar card, e‑Aadhaar PDF, PVC Aadhaar card, and masked Aadhaar (which hides most details and shows only the last 4 digits) all remain valid identity proofs.
The change only affects how organisations can verify and store the data — not whether Aadhaar itself is valid.
When Will the New Rule Come Into Effect?
The new rule has been approved and is expected to be announced soon. uidai hasn’t yet shared an exact date for implementation.
However, wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital Aadhaar verification options are already available via the Aadhaar app and QR code systems, so adoption is likely to begin quickly.
Important Things to Remember
✨ You should never share your full Aadhaar number or photocopy unnecessarily.
✨ If a hotel or event organiser still asks for a photocopy, you can offer QR‑based verification instead.
✨ Aadhaar details held by unauthorised entities without registered verification systems may be unlawful under the Aadhaar Act.
✨ Use masked Aadhaar or wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital verification wherever possible to protect your data.
In Short
✔ Hotels and similar businesses will no longer be allowed to take or store Aadhaar photocopies.
✔ Identity will be verified digitally via QR code or Aadhaar app.
✔ This makes Aadhaar checks more secure, private, and convenient.
✔ Your physical Aadhaar remains valid — you just won’t need to hand out photocopies.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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