Aadhaar App: over 86 lakh mobile numbers updated, 300 entities join offline verification

What has happened

UIDAI has said that 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) have been onboarded since the Aadhaar app was launched in January. These entities wanted to carry out offline verification using Aadhaar.

According to UIDAI, the step is meant to expand the use of Aadhaar-based offline verification across sectors such as hotels, hospitality, healthcare, education, events, the gig economy and companies that serve consumers directly.

What the app numbers show

The release says the Aadhaar app has been downloaded about 7.5 crore times so far. Through the app, over 86 lakh mobile numbers, 22.16 lakh addresses and 40.25 lakh emails have been updated.

The app has also recorded 4.6 crore biometric lock/unlock transactions and 3.61 lakh Aadhaar lock/unlock transactions. UIDAI says these figures show growing awareness of security features and that people are exercising more control over the use of their biometrics.

What it means for an ordinary user

If your mobile number, address or email in Aadhaar is wrong, the release says you can update it through the Aadhaar app without visiting a centre. This is especially useful for people who find it difficult to travel to a distant Aadhaar centre.

The biometric lock/unlock and Aadhaar lock/unlock features give Aadhaar number holders the right to add an extra layer of privacy as they wish, so you can decide when and how your biometrics or Aadhaar number are used.

What the government says the aim is

The release says these initiatives are in line with the government’s Digital India vision and the goal of a Viksit Bharat, where secure, accessible and technology-enabled public services make life easier.

UIDAI also said the onboarding of OVSE partners reflects growing trust in Aadhaar-enabled, privacy-first digital verification frameworks that follow the provisions of the DPDP Act.

What you can do next

If you want to use the Aadhaar app, download it on your smartphone and use the services offered to check your details and update them if needed. Read the information shown in the app carefully before taking any step.