Aadhaar’s Next-Gen QR Code Plan May Replicate PAN-Style Risks, Experts Warn

New developments at UIDAI suggest that Aadhaar cards could soon adopt a design similar to PAN 2.0 with a QR code and photograph replacing most printed personal details. While the move is intended to streamline identity verification and reduce offline misuse, analysts caution it could inherit security vulnerabilities similar to those seen or feared with PAN’s QR implementation.

What Is UIDAI Planning?

UIDAI is reportedly gearing up to issue Aadhaar cards that display only the cardholder’s photo and a “secure” QR code. This change, confirmed by UIDAI’s CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, aims to discourage entities from collecting photocopies of the Aadhaar card and to limit offline exploitation.

The authority is also developing a new mobile app to support QR-based authentication: users would consent to share either full or masked versions of their demographic data securely via the QR code. According to reports, this step is aligned with the forthcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.

Why Experts Are Alarmed: Lessons from PAN QR Controversy

While the QR-based redesign promises convenience and privacy by reducing visible personal details, security researchers and privacy advocates are raising red flags — arguing that Aadhaar’s approach may repeat some of the same mistakes already being highlighted in the PAN 2.0 QR rollout.

1. Ease of Unauthorized Scanning

Just like any QR code, if not properly protected, the data embedded in Aadhaar’s QR code could potentially be scanned by third-party readers. Critics warn that assuming only approved apps will decode the QR code may create a false sense of security.

2. Risk of Data Harvesting

If attackers manage to scan many Aadhaar QR codes, they could compile large databases containing demographic and identity data. This could facilitate social engineering, identity theft or other forms of fraud.

3. Metadata Exposure

Besides visible demographic data, the QR may carry machine-readable metadata hidden from casual users. In a large-scale misuse scenario, this could become a powerful tool to profile individuals.

4. False Confidence in “Secure” QR

Just as some have questioned the real-world inability of fraudsters to bypass PAN QR protections, critics fear that the “secure” Aadhaar QR code may not be as tamper-proof as promised. Signed QR codes could still be exploited if endpoints or verification tools are weak.

5. Verification Gap

Past analysis has shown that not all verifiers scan Aadhaar QR codes. Some entities reportedly accept photocopied Aadhaar documents without checking the QR signature, which leaves room for impersonation or presentation of faked cards.

Potential Consequences

● Identity Fraud: Scanned QR data could be used by fraudsters to create convincing synthetic identities or impersonate individuals.

● Erosion of Trust: If the QR code is widely believed to be secure but proves vulnerable, public trust in Aadhaar’s next-gen design could be undermined.

● Regulatory Pressure: UIDAI may face calls to strengthen encryption or limit the kind of data included in the QR code.

● Increased Need for Vigilance: Users may need to adopt stronger privacy practices, such as minimizing shared QR data or demanding that verifiers always scan the QR instead of accepting photocopies.

What Aadhaar Card Holders Should Do

● Be Cautious with Who You Share QR Code With: Until the new system matures, limit presenting your QR code to trusted entities only.

● Use the Official Verification App: Prefer UIDAI-sanctioned apps for scanning QR codes, rather than random third-party readers.

● Monitor Updates: Keep an eye on UIDAI announcements and app updates to ensure your Aadhaar usage aligns with the latest security features.

● Advocate for Transparency: Push for independent audits of the QR design and encryption strength to ensure robust protection of Aadhaar data.

Bottom Line

UIDAI’s plan to move toward a minimalist Aadhaar card—featuring only a photo and QR code—is well meant to reduce misuse. But security experts warn that, without strong safeguards, the system could repeat many of the vulnerabilities that critics have highlighted in the PAN QR controversy. As the rollout progresses, both regulators and users will need to keep a close watch on how “secure” this new QR code really is — and whether it truly shields identity or opens a new front for data exposure.