On Tuesday, the Unique Identification Authority of India launched the new Aadhaar App which users will be able to add to their preferred wallet, including the Google Wallet, sharing their Aadhaar Verifiable Credentials.
Using it for identity verification with greater control over what information is shared, users can be assured that security, privacy and interoperability are foundational to the Aadhaar App. Google confirmed that support for Aadhaar credentials in Google Wallet will begin rolling out to users in the coming weeks as part of its partnership with UIDAI.
The integration is built on global interoperability standards such as ISO 18013-5, ensuring security, privacy and cross-platform compatibility. Officials said the approach is designed to make identity verification simpler, whilst also providing valuable insights for policymakers, regulators into how digital identity can support service delivery and data protection.
The initiative demonstrates how Digital Public Infrastructure can balance inclusion, usability and data protection, reframing digital identity as a tool of empowerment rather than surveillance.
With more than a billion Aadhaar holders, the rollout is one of the world’s largest implementations of wallet-based digital identity.
