Aadhaar App crosses 31 million downloads, reflecting growing utility for residents

📌 Summary:

• The new Aadhaar App has crossed 31 million (3.1 crore) downloads within less than five months of launch, signalling strong resident adoption
• Nearly 4 million (40 lakh) people have updated their mobile numbers and about 8.5 lakh have updated their address directly via the App
• The App enables a privacy-first way to show, share and verify identity, with features like single-click biometric lock/unlock, face verification for proof of presence, authentication history and a QR-based editable contact card
• It allows e-Aadhaar download and online appointment booking for Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs)
• Real-life use cases include hotel check-ins via Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) QR scanning, hospital admissions, visitor management, event entries, and identity verification of gig workers
• Available on both Android and iOS platforms

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (e-governance, Digital Public Infrastructure, ease of living, data privacy in identity systems). Demonstrates population-scale digital governance and the privacy-by-design principle.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory body under the Aadhaar Act, 2016
• OVSE = Offline Verification Seeking Entity — allows identity verification without online authentication
• The App offers face authentication and offline QR verification, reducing dependence on physical Aadhaar cards

🔑 Key Term: Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) — an entity permitted to verify an Aadhaar holder's identity offline (e.g., via QR code) without contacting UIDAI's central database.