UIDAI Clarifies No Mandatory Aadhaar App Plan; Industry Body Criticizes Sensationalized Discussions The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that there are no plans to make the Aadhaar app mandatory for citizens. This comes amid reports suggesting discussions about preinstalling the app on mobile devices. A senior UIDAI official stated that the proposal to preinstall the Aadhaar app on smartphones was submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology in November 2025. The official emphasized that stakeholder consultations are currently underway, but no final decisions have been made. The UIDAI’s clarification aims to address concerns raised by the public and industry stakeholders. The agency reiterated that the Aadhaar app is not a mandatory tool for citizens and that its use remains voluntary. The official highlighted that the proposal under consideration is part of broader efforts to enhance digital services, but it does not require users to install the app on their devices. An industry body representing technology and digital service providers has criticized the media for sensationalizing routine discussions about the Aadhaar app. The body stated that the conversations around preinstallation are part of standard policy consultations and do not indicate any imminent regulatory changes. It urged the public to avoid speculation and focus on verified information. The UIDAI’s stance aligns with its long-standing position of balancing digital convenience with user privacy. While the agency has previously supported the integration of Aadhaar for various services, it has consistently emphasized the importance of voluntary participation.#uidai #aadhaar_app #ministry_of_information_technology #industry_body #mobile_manufacturers
