Aadhaar Photocopies Banned: UIDAI Mandates Digital Verification

• Government to introduce new Aadhaar rules to enhance security, with UIDAI soon banning entities from requesting or storing Aadhaar photocopies.
• The current practice of demanding Aadhaar photocopies is deemed a violation of the existing Aadhaar Act.
• A new verification method, using QR code scanning or a developing Aadhaar mobile app, will replace paper-based verification; organizations must register and adopt updated technology.
• The new system aims for easier, faster, and more secure verification, reducing paper use and data leak risks, while enhancing privacy.
• The new Aadhaar app will support the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, allowing users to upload address proof and add family members without mobile phones.

Why It Matters: Aadhaar's new rule enhances privacy and security by eliminating physical copies.