In a significant move to enhance digital accessibility and authentication, the Government of India has approved Aadhaar-enabled face authentication for private entities' mobile applications. This decision is set to simplify access to various services for customers, making authentication smoother and more secure.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Aadhaar Good Governance portal, which aims to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests. This portal provides a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for authentication-seeking entities, guiding them on how to apply for Aadhaar authentication and onboard for the process.

Aadhaar Face Authentication in Private Mobile Apps

The new directive will allow private businesses and service providers to integrate Aadhaar-enabled face authentication in their mobile apps, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for users. This is expected to benefit sectors such as banking, fintech, healthcare, and online services, where secure identity verification is crucial.

According to the official statement from MeitY, this new authentication process will:

• Enable anytime, anywhere authentication for users.
• Ensure security and compliance with Aadhaar authentication regulations.
• Simplify eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) processes, reducing reliance on OTP-based verification.

Aadhaar Good Governance Portal – A Step Towards Digital Transformation

The Aadhaar Good Governance portal, launched by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, is designed to facilitate the authentication process for private entities. The portal was unveiled in the presence of UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, NIC Director General Inder Pal Singh Sethi, UIDAI DDG Manish Bhardwaj, and other senior officials.

This platform will act as a resource center offering:

• Guidelines on Aadhaar authentication procedures for businesses.
• A structured approval system for entities seeking authentication rights.
• A central hub for updates on Aadhaar authentication regulations.

The launch of the Aadhaar Good Governance portal aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening digital infrastructure and governance in India.

Amendment to Aadhaar Act Enables Private Entity Authentication

The approval for Aadhaar face authentication in private mobile apps follows the amendment to the Aadhaar Act, notified on January 31, 2025. This amendment restores the ability of private entities to use Aadhaar authentication for service delivery, a move that is expected to enhance ease of living and improve access to digital services.

With the updated Aadhaar authentication policy, businesses will be able to:

• Offer more seamless onboarding processes for new users.
• Reduce manual paperwork and verification delays.
• Enhance the security and reliability of user authentication.

This decision marks a significant shift in India's digital governance framework, further cementing Aadhaar’s role as a key enabler of digital identity verification.

What This Means for Citizens and Businesses

The integration of Aadhaar-enabled face authentication in private mobile applications will have far-reaching benefits for both customers and businesses:

• For Customers: They will experience quicker and more secure access to essential services without the need for physical documentation or OTP-based authentication.
• For Businesses: The move will help streamline customer verification processes, reducing fraud risks and operational inefficiencies.

As India continues to embrace digital transformation, this update is expected to play a pivotal role in making Aadhaar-based authentication more accessible and efficient.

With the Aadhaar Good Governance portal now operational, private companies looking to integrate Aadhaar authentication into their apps can now apply for approval more efficiently. The government’s push for a secure, streamlined authentication system reflects its commitment to enhancing ease of living and business efficiency in the country.

Stakeholders in banking, fintech, healthcare, and digital services are expected to leverage this advancement, making Aadhaar-based authentication a standard across industries.

This landmark move by the Indian government signifies another step towards modernizing and securing India's digital identity ecosystem. Citizens and businesses alike are encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments through the Aadhaar Good Governance portal.

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