Wed Nov 19 07:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
UIDAI Considers Radical Aadhaar Overhaul to Protect User Data
New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is considering a major change to the Aadhaar card in an effort to prevent data misuse and discourage offline verification practices. The proposed new Aadhaar card would feature only the cardholder’s photograph and a QR code, omitting other personal details currently printed on the card.
UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar announced the potential change during an online conference focusing on a new Aadhaar app. He stated that the proposal aims to discourage entities like hotels and event organizers from collecting photocopies of Aadhaar cards for offline verification. This move is also intended to improve age verification processes and further safeguard the privacy of Aadhaar holders.
“One idea is why should there be any kind of details on the card? It should just have a photo and a QR code,” Kumar said. “If we keep giving printed information, people will continue to assume that’s what’s important. Those who know how to misuse it, will continue to do so.”
While the Aadhaar Act prohibits the collection, use, or storage of an individual’s Aadhaar number or biometric information for any type of offline verification, many institutions continue to take and retain photocopies of Aadhaar cards. The UIDAI is working on a legislative draft to address this issue and will present it to the Aadhaar Authority on December 1st. This overhaul aims to strengthen data protection measures and ensure responsible Aadhaar usage across various sectors.
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