UIDAI to Launch Aadhaar App with Live Facial Recognition: What It Means for Users

Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning to roll out a new Aadhaar mobile app by December 2025, introducing a “live facial recognition” feature that allows users to update their mobile numbers without visiting an Aadhaar centre. However, certain services, such as fingerprint or iris updates, will still require physical visits to enrolment or update centres.

How It Works

The app will capture a live image of the user’s face via the mobile camera, which will then be matched against the photo stored in UIDAI’s biometric database. If the match is successful, the user’s authentication is completed.

In addition to facial recognition, the app will feature QR code-based verification. Users can share their Aadhaar information digitally, either fully or in a masked format, depending on consent. This allows service providers like banks, hotels, or government offices to verify identity without handling physical documents.

Advantages

1. Convenience – Reduces the need to visit an Aadhaar centre, especially beneficial for people in remote areas.

2. Speed – Mobile number and other demographic updates can be processed faster if facial recognition works smoothly.

3. Paperless & Cardless – Physical Aadhaar cards or photocopies may no longer be needed; digital QR verification suffices.

4. Privacy & Control – Users can control what information is shared, with consent-based masked sharing.

5. Inclusive Biometric Option – Useful for individuals for whom fingerprints or iris scans are difficult due to age or health conditions.

Risks & Challenges

1. Privacy & Security – Facial biometric data is highly sensitive. Any breach or misuse could have serious consequences.

2. False Positives/Negatives – Facial recognition can fail due to lighting, camera quality, face masks, aging, or appearance changes.

3. Digital Divide – Not all users have smartphones or high-quality cameras; network connectivity may be an issue in rural areas.

4. Legal & Regulatory Clarity – Data protection, consent laws, and Aadhaar regulations need to be clear and enforceable.

5. Dependence on Database Accuracy – Outdated photos or records could prevent successful facial authentication.

Key Questions Remaining

Question Current Status / Clarification Needed

How secure is facial data? UIDAI claims encryption and secure backend matching, but details on storage duration, third-party access, and retention policies are not fully disclosed.

What if facial recognition fails? Users will need to visit Aadhaar centres for biometric updates or verification.

Which updates can be done online? Mobile number updates are confirmed; demographic updates like address/name may require SOPs for document verification.

Will there be a fee? Some biometric updates already have fees; online demographic updates may be free or low-cost, but final structure is not confirmed.

App rollout timeline? December 2025 is reported for full launch.

Legal protections? Implementation of Aadhaar Act, data privacy, and accountability mechanisms remain key questions.

The UIDAI Aadhaar app with live facial recognition promises greater convenience, speed, and paperless verification, but privacy, security, and accessibility challenges remain. Clear communication, legal safeguards, and robust backup mechanisms will be crucial for its success.