Aadhaar face authentication now allowed in private apps

MeitY states that the new rules will allow non-government entities to use Aadhaar for purposes like customer onboarding, e-KYC, staff attendance, and exam registrations, aiming to make Aadhaar more user-friendly and improve access to digital services

In a significant move aimed at improving customer access to services, the Centre has granted permission for the integration of Aadhaar-enabled face authentication into mobile applications developed by private entities. This initiative is designed to make it easier for users to access services seamlessly through mobile apps, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

The integration will be carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) outlined in the newly launched Aadhaar Good Governance portal by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The portal will serve as a comprehensive guide for entities seeking to use Aadhaar authentication, detailing how to apply and onboard the process. The statement from the government emphasized that face authentication can now be incorporated into customer-facing applications, enabling authentication anywhere, anytime.

The launch of the Aadhaar Good Governance portal marks a key step in streamlining the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests. This is particularly important following a recent amendment that restores the access of private entities to the Aadhaar verification mechanism. The new rules are part of the government’s efforts to expand the scope of Aadhaar authentication, which is expected to offer greater ease of living and ensure simpler access to a wider range of services.

Leveraging Aadhaar for enhanced access

The online platform, available at swik.meity.gov.in, came into effect after the notification of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules in January 2025. This amendment is designed to promote greater transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making processes surrounding the use of Aadhaar authentication. According to the government, the revised rules aim to enable both government and non-government entities to utilize Aadhaar verification for public interest services, including innovation, knowledge dissemination, and enhancing access to essential services.

In late January 2025, the government issued an amendment to the Aadhaar Act, making it possible for private companies to leverage Aadhaar authentication to deliver services. The move is expected to benefit a variety of sectors, such as hospitality, healthcare, education, e-commerce, and credit rating bureaus. Furthermore, the amendment facilitates more convenient access to services for citizens, allowing them to avail of services across various sectors without unnecessary obstacles.

The expansion of Aadhaar authentication follows the Supreme Court's decision in September 2018, which had raised concerns about the potential misuse of Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. This section had granted private entities the authority to use Aadhaar authentication for business-related purposes. However, with the recent amendments, the government has worked to ensure that Aadhaar authentication is used in a secure and responsible manner for the benefit of citizens.

Aadhaar empowering digital innovation

According to MeitY, the new rules will enable entities other than government ministries and departments to use Aadhaar for a variety of purposes. These include customer onboarding, e-KYC verification, staff attendance, and exam registrations, among others. The government’s focus on making Aadhaar more user-friendly is intended to ease the process of accessing services and ensure that people can take full advantage of digital innovations.

The Aadhaar Good Governance portal was launched by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, with key officials including UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar and NIC Director General Inder Pal Singh Sethi also in attendance. Krishnan expressed optimism about the future of the platform, stating that it would help expedite the inclusion of new use cases in the realm of governance and ease of living for citizens.