The Unique Identification Authority of India has introduced an updated ‘QR code' that holds details like name, address, photo, date of birth, and can be used for offline user verification without the 12-digit ID number, sources said.
With Aadhaar increasingly becoming the nationally-accepted ID for most official purposes, the new QR code can be used in offline mode in a way that will safeguard against any tampering of documents, the sources added. This would be handy for establishing the identity with non-statutory entities like online shopping portals when delivering goods.
Aadhaar holders can download and print their biometric ID with the QR code from the UIDAI website or its mobile app. A QR code is a form of barcode label which contains machine-readable information. Users can manually blacken the Aadhaar number and use the printout with the new QR code for establishing their identity.
The offline QR code is a landmark development which will allow everyone to establish their identity through offline verification without giving out Aadhaar number.Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO, UIDAI
How It Works
For instance, when an online shopping delivery is made and the delivery person asks for an ID, the Aadhaar holder can show him the printed QR code which when scanned (through an updated QR code reader on Aadhaar site) would read non-sensitive information.
This includes name, address, date of birth and photo, thus establishing the bonafide identity, sources said. It will also ensure that Aadhaar holder is genuine and not using any tampered ID documents.
Aadhaar number is not given out in the entire process, nor are biometrics, thus ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the verification process.
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