India to ban physical Aadhaar copies, mandate digital verification via app and QR codes.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will require hotels, event organizers, and other entities to register before conducting offline Aadhaar verification, ending the practice of storing physical photocopies that violate the Aadhaar Act. A new app and QR code scanning tools will enable secure, paperless verification without constant internet access, reducing data misuse risks. The system will use APIs to improve reliability and support updates to address proofs and family member registrations, including for those without mobile phones. The changes align with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act and are expected to be formally notified soon.