New Delhi: In a landmark move to bolster security and curb identity fraud, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled stringent new rules mandating Aadhaar-based verification for all registrations, effectively banning the use of Aadhaar photocopies.
This directive, set to roll out nationwide from January 1, 2026, aims to safeguard the privacy of India’s 1.4 billion Aadhaar holders and streamline digital authentication processes.
Under the new guidelines, individuals must use Aadhaar’s biometric or OTP-based e-KYC for services like bank account openings, SIM card registrations, or government schemes. Physical or digital photocopies of Aadhaar cards will no longer be accepted, reducing risks of misuse.
UIDAI’s CEO Amit Agrawal stated, “This is a step towards a secure, paperless ecosystem.” Entities failing to comply face hefty penalties, with UIDAI deploying AI-driven monitoring to ensure adherence.
The decision follows rising incidents of Aadhaar data breaches, with over 500 fraud cases reported in 2025 alone. Citizens can use masked Aadhaar numbers or QR code-based verification for added safety. UIDAI has urged state governments and private agencies to upgrade systems by December 31, 2025, offering free API access for seamless integration.
While the move has been hailed for enhancing security, rural users worry about connectivity issues for OTP-based verification. UIDAI has promised offline alternatives and helplines.
As India gears up for this digital leap, the policy signals a bold shift towards a fraud-free identity framework.