At Tuesday's Aadhaar Samvaad event in Delhi, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will soon launch a new Aadhaar app. "Aadhaar verification becomes as simple as making a UPI payment. Users can now digitally verify and share their Aadhaar details while ensuring their privacy. Simply scan a QR code or use a requesting application," spoke Vaishnaw.

The new app comes with an updated design, improving on the current mAadhaar app. One of its key features is facial recognition, which lets users securely share their Aadhaar details with hotels and other authorised parties without handing over a physical copy. Instead of showing a printed Aadhaar card or a photocopy at places like hotels or airports, users can now just scan a QR code and verify their identity by scanning their face using their own phone. 

"No need to hand over Aadhaar photocopy at hotel receptions, shops or during travel. The Aadhaar App is secure and shareable only with the user's consent. 100 per cent digital and secure," Vaishnaw described.

Right now, the app is being tested with a limited group and will be launched for everyone once testing is complete.

One of the key new features in the app is the addition of Aadhaar Face Authentication, which is quickly gaining popularity across various sectors and is now being used in over 15 crore transactions every month, according to a statement from UIDAI. "This app is an early adopters’ release for a small group of users, including all the registered participants of this Aadhaar Samvaad event. Based on the feedback received from users and ecosystem partners, UIDAI will soon make it accessible to all."