Securing India’s identity begins with cryptography

In digital systems, the element of trust is directly proportional to how securely data is handled. In India, where Aadhaar is the backbone of identity verification for over 1.3 billion people, this connection becomes even more critical. When the identity layer is compromised, the impact extends across the spectrum. Against this backdrop, the beta launch of UIDAI’s updated Aadhaar mobile app is a relevant and necessary move. What stands out is the deeper focus on encryption and cryptographic safeguards that are vital to keep identity data protected.

Encryption isn’t new, but its application in everyday identity systems is becoming more visible and more necessary. In the updated Aadhaar app, this shows up in features like QR codes that carry encrypted data and facial recognition used for biometric verification. These upgrades reduce reliance on paperwork, which often creates unnecessary friction and carries its own security risks. Routine tasks like checking into a hotel or getting a new SIM card no longer need to involve forms and photocopies. Instead, they’re handled in a way that’s faster, less invasive, and far more secure.

A smooth user experience depends upon what happens behind the screen, how data moves, how it's protected, and how that protection holds up end to end. In systems like Aadhaar, encryption on its own doesn’t do the job. What’s critical is how the encryption is managed throughout the full journey: from the user’s device, through the verifying system, all the way to the Aadhaar backend. This level of security relies on how well the encryption keys are handled. These keys act like locks, only far more sensitive. They need to be generated carefully, rotated on schedule, stored securely, and deactivated when no longer in use. When this lifecycle is managed properly, it becomes much harder for vulnerabilities to slip through the cracks.

Today, security also demands proactive measures. UIDAI’s partnership with Sarvam AI is a smart move in this direction. With AI-powered fraud detection running securely within an encrypted environment, we’re seeing what modern, multi-layered defense actually looks like. This kind of architecture incorporates transparent data protection practices that ensure database encryption, which can also safeguard the entire flow of information.

Validating authenticity is just as important as securing the data itself. In Aadhaar, this is handled through features like digital signatures and scannable QR codes that can be checked against trusted sources. It’s a similar principle to what’s used in SSL certificates or code signing that let systems confirm the information hasn’t been tampered with.

It’s not just UIDAI that needs to stay ahead. Private sector players, especially banks, telecom operators, and healthcare providers that depend on Aadhaar for verification need to match that standard. Strengthening cryptographic controls on their end now includes tightening how keys are managed during transactions, and deploying the right infrastructure to support that. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), both for payments and general-purpose use, should be seen as a baseline investment and not a future upgrade.

In India, systems like Aadhaar play a central role in accessing everything from banking to welfare, and security becomes especially important. The move toward stronger encryption should be structural, and privacy has to be part of the design from day one. Such systems need to be built with the assumption that trust must be earned and maintained. In this context, India is well positioned to set the tone globally by showing that large-scale digital identity systems can also meet high standards of security and accountability.

By Ruchin Kumar – VP, South Asia - Futurex