New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new Aadhaar App that enables age verification without sharing additional personal data, addressing a key compliance requirement under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Speaking at the launch, S Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, have been amended to allow private entities to offer services using Aadhaar authentication in a secure and consent-based manner.
He said age verification has been a recurring challenge under the DPDP framework and the new Aadhaar App provides a practical solution by enabling age gating without data oversharing.
Krishnan noted that several firms are already developing age-verification solutions, some of which were demonstrated during the launch event.
Age gating is expected to help online platforms such as social media companies, gaming platforms and e-commerce firms verify users’ eligibility while restricting children’s access to age-inappropriate content or products.
UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Bhuvnesh Kumar said the app will also allow entities such as hotels, cinema halls and online service providers to digitally verify individuals for service delivery.
Besides verification, the app simplifies access to Aadhaar services, including mobile number and address updates, and shares only essential information required for a specific service.
The app includes a digital contact card feature, allowing users to share contact details electronically instead of using paper-based cards.
Aadhaar holders can also add up to five profiles on a single app, such as children or family members without individual mobile numbers, enabling digital authentication at locations like airports, cinema halls and events without submitting physical Aadhaar copies.
