Adding a layer of extra protection, Aadhaar updates QR code for offline verification

New Delhi, April 19: In an attempt to provide an extra layer of protection in the Aadhaar cards, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced an updated ‘QR code’.

 

The new QR code can be used in offline mode in a way that will safeguard against any tampering of documents.

The CEO of UIDAI, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, said the QR code is a landmark development which will allow everyone to establish their identity through offline verification without giving out Aadhaar number. He added that one will have to go through the authentication process only in those places where Aadhaar number is required under the law including banks, telecom companies, or for availing subsidies.

Aadhaar holders can download and print their biometric ID with the QR code from the website of UIDAI or its mobile app. Users can manually blacken the Aadhaar number and use the printout with the new QR code for establishing their identity, offline too.

The offline QR code is a landmark development which will allow everyone to establish their identity through offline verification without giving out Aadhaar number. Meanwhile, UIDAI dismissed concerns that it might use Aadhaar data analysis in the future.

In a statement, UIDAI clarified that the media reports published yesterday quoting UIDAI's Counsel Rakesh Dwivedi's argument in the Supreme Court that Google is trying to fail Aadhaar is not correct.

 

It said Mr Dwivedi had submitted that as far as Google, Facebook and Twitter are concerned, they cannot be compared with Aadhaar due to the nature of the information being different and also due to the difference in the nature of algorithms being used.

Drawing a distinction between itself and such companies, it said Aadhaar is only matching biometrics, while the other global companies are using learning tools for analysis of data which creates knowledge.

Moreover, UIDAI said law prohibits it from doing any such analysis and therefore there is no scope of surveillance of any kind. It said UIDAI does not permit any Requesting Entity (RE) to collect and analyse Aadhaar data and use the same for any commercial uses. UIDAI said a certain section of people is creating "imaginary fear" to "fail" the national ID programme.