Whenever you check into a hotel, attend an event, or join an institution, you are often asked to submit a photocopy of your Aadhaar card. This photocopy contains sensitive personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth, which are then stored by hotels, event organisers, or other entities.
Under the Aadhaar Act, storing or misusing Aadhaar data without authorisation is illegal. To curb this practice and prevent misuse of personal information, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is introducing a new rule related to Aadhaar verification.
UIDAI to Ban Physical Storage of Aadhaar Photocopies
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar has confirmed that a new regulation will soon be notified. Under this rule, hotels, event organisers, and other institutions will no longer be allowed to take or store physical photocopies of Aadhaar cards.
The authority has approved this regulation to ensure that Aadhaar data is not misused or leaked and that individuals’ privacy is protected.
What Is the New Aadhaar Verification Rule?
According to UIDAI officials, institutions that require Aadhaar-based verification will now need to register themselves with UIDAI.
Once registered, these entities will gain access to a new Aadhaar verification technology. Instead of collecting photocopies, verification will be done through:
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Scanning a QR code on Aadhaar
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App-to-app verification using a new Aadhaar app currently under development
This will eliminate the need for physical documents and reduce the risk of data misuse.
Aadhaar App-to-App Verification Explained
The upcoming Aadhaar app will enable secure offline verification. With app-to-app verification:
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Aadhaar data will not be shared or stored by hotels or organisers
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Verification will happen digitally and instantly
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There will be no dependency on photocopies or paper documents
This method also solves the issue of intermediary server downtime, which often disrupts Aadhaar authentication through existing systems.
Aadhaar Verification Through API Access
Institutions that need offline Aadhaar verification will be provided access to an API (Application Programming Interface).
Using this API, hotels and organisers can update their systems to verify Aadhaar securely without accessing or storing personal data. This ensures compliance with UIDAI rules and data protection laws.
Timeline for Full Implementation
The new Aadhaar app and verification system are expected to be fully aligned with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
According to UIDAI:
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Full implementation may take up to 18 months
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The new app will also allow users to:
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Update address proof documents
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Add family members who do not have a mobile phone to the same app
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Why This Aadhaar Rule Is Important
This move is aimed at:
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Preventing misuse of Aadhaar data
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Protecting citizens’ privacy
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Eliminating unnecessary photocopies
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Making verification faster and more secure
Once implemented, hotels and event organisers will no longer be allowed to demand Aadhaar photocopies from customers.
