Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 25: Soon, Aadhaar may be required for entry into restaurants, housing societies and other public or private premises, as the government is preparing to roll out a new offline Aadhaar verification system.
According to the proposal, visitors entering residential complexes may be asked to verify their Aadhaar before being allowed inside. Restaurants hosting live events may demand Aadhaar verification at the entrance. Students appearing for examinations may also be required to undergo Aadhaar checks. The new mechanism is intended to allow organisations to verify identity offline before granting access.
UIDAI, the agency responsible for Aadhaar, has stated that the new offline verification system will remove the need to carry or submit photocopies of Aadhaar cards, offering greater convenience and enhanced privacy. However, formalising offline Aadhaar checks as a common entry requirement in multiple spaces is expected to draw scrutiny from digital privacy advocates.
Once implemented, the system could make Aadhaar-based identity checks a routine part of everyday movement. UIDAI has indicated that identity verification for hotel lobbies, gated communities and live events would be possible through quick QR code scans, powered by a new Aadhaar app that is nearing launch.
Ahead of the rollout, UIDAI recently held a meeting with around 250 stakeholders to brief them on the upcoming changes. In a note shared after the meeting, UIDAI said that offline verification would offer both individuals and entities a secure, convenient and privacy-protecting method for identity verification, and would reduce reliance on physical or photocopied Aadhaar, which can otherwise pose risks of fraudulent use.
The agency added that officials discussed several potential use cases, including hotel check-ins, entry to residential societies and access to events.
How the new system will work
UIDAI officials have so far disclosed that the offline mechanism will rely on QR codes and a “proof of presence” feature that uses face scanning without connecting to UIDAI servers. The exact process will become clearer once the system is launched and widely used. UIDAI has said the mechanism differs from the server-dependent face authentication currently used by banks.
The offline verification feature will be integrated into a revamped Aadhaar app scheduled for release soon. As reported by Moneycontrol, UIDAI expects offline Aadhaar-based verification to be used for:
— Hotel and lodge check-ins
— Entry to gated housing societies
— Access to offices and data centres
— Hospital admissions
— Student verification during exams
— Verification of cab drivers, food-delivery personnel and domestic workers
— Age-verification for restricted products
— Entry to cinemas, events, stadiums and concerts
— DigiYatra-style identity checks for ticketed domestic travel
New regulations on the way
UIDAI is drafting regulations to govern offline Aadhaar verification through the new app. Once notified, the rules will define how data is shared and stored.
Any legally registered organisation will be able to apply online to become an Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE). The onboarding process will involve document checks, technical integration and the capability to generate QR codes. UIDAI has said a nominal fee will be charged.
App launch expected soon
According to officials, the new Aadhaar app is currently in pre-launch testing, with product and engineering teams conducting final stability checks. The launch is expected in the coming months.