In a major shift for digital identity management in India, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has granted full legal recognition to face authentication for Aadhaar. This move empowers over a billion cardholders to verify their identity online by simply using their face, matched against their enrolment photo, with user consent placed at the forefront of the process.
How the New Face Authentication Works
Face recognition for Aadhaar is a 1:1 consented verification method. When an individual opts for this method, a live facial image captured during verification is securely matched against the photo stored in UIDAI's database from the time of enrolment. A successful match confirms the person's identity. This method is particularly advantageous in scenarios where fingerprint or iris scans are inconvenient, such as during event entry, hotel check-ins, or accessing gated communities.
Previously, face verification had limited legal standing and was primarily used for government functions. The updated rules now place it on par with OTP and biometric scans as a fully recognised legal means of verification. Furthermore, over 250 attendees learned about these advancements in a recent UIDAI webinar focused on offline verification ahead of the new app's launch.
Enhanced Privacy and Offline Verification Under DPDP Act
The changes are firmly anchored in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. A key highlight is the reinforced consent mechanism, giving individuals the authority to accept or reject any Aadhaar verification request. Users can also choose to share only specific details, like age or photo, instead of their full Aadhaar number.
The rules also significantly boost offline Aadhaar verification. Individuals can now share signed, password-protected copies of their credentials via apps or QR codes, eliminating the need to connect to UIDAI servers every time. This not only enhances security but also ensures functionality in areas with poor internet connectivity. Officials emphasise that face authentication data is not sent to any central server, making the process secure and privacy-centric.
Upcoming Aadhaar App to Simplify Daily Life
An updated Aadhaar application is slated for launch soon, designed to translate these policy changes into user-friendly features. The app is expected to make operations involving events, hotel check-ins, deliveries, and access control easier and more secure. It will allow users to manage their own Aadhaar information and that of select family members, offering features for identity protection and updates to mobile numbers or addresses.
This suite of updates marks a pivotal step towards giving Indian citizens greater control over their digital identity. By legitimising face authentication and strengthening offline, consent-based verification, UIDAI is aligning Aadhaar with modern privacy standards and practical, everyday needs.
