2. About DigiLocker

• DigiLocker, introduced in 2015, serves as a platform for users to store their digital documents securely. This versatile app finds utility in various scenarios, including passport applications, academic record verification, and identification during travel.
• Positioned as part of the Indian government’s initiative to reduce paper usage, DigiLocker facilitates easy access, verification, and storage of essential documents in a digital wallet format, ensuring swift retrieval and presentation to authorities when needed.
• With over 270 million registered users and nearly 6.7 billion documents retrieved through the platform as of early May, DigiLocker has emerged as a popular choice for individuals seeking to streamline their document management process.
• Documents such as Aadhaar cards, insurance policies, PAN records, and driving licenses can be securely stored and accessed through the app.
• According to DigiLocker’s website, documents issued through the platform are accorded the same validity as their physical counterparts, in compliance with Rule 9A of the Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries providing Digital Locker facilities) Rules, 2016, as notified on February 8, 2017, vide G.S.R. 711(E).

• Users are increasingly embracing DigiLocker, drawn by its promise of a paperless solution for accessing and managing digital documents.
• The platform ensures that individuals can effortlessly access the most up-to-date versions of their documents online, enabling them to validate their identity and credentials swiftly whenever necessary.
• This feature is particularly advantageous for verifying officials, as it helps thwart the use of fake or outdated documents, as well as poor-quality print copies that may lack crucial details.
• Moreover, DigiLocker empowers users by eliminating the need to carry multiple sets of physical documents while on the move.
• Instead, documents can be conveniently fetched or stored on a local device, ensuring ease of access wherever they go.
• In theory, these digital documents hold the same validity as their physical counterparts, providing users with a credible alternative for verification purposes.
• Utilizing the app can contribute to faster service delivery, enhancing overall efficiency in document processing and verification procedures.

5. Challenges with DigiLocker

Despite its benefits, DigiLocker faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and effectiveness.

• Individuals who are unfamiliar with smartphones or struggle with navigating apps may encounter difficulties in downloading DigiLocker, using OTPs for authentication, and retrieving their credentials independently. This poses a significant challenge, particularly for those without access to assistance or support.
• Illiterate individuals face challenges in utilizing DigiLocker, as they may struggle with reading instructions or navigating the app interface. This further exacerbates the digital divide and limits access to essential services for marginalized populations.
• DigiLocker requires precise matching of user-submitted details with issuer data, leading to issues for individuals with multiple names, aliases, or inconsistent spellings across certificates. Even minor discrepancies, such as variations in capitalization or initials, can result in retrieval failures, frustrating users and impeding the seamless access to documents.
• The acceptance of virtual documents via DigiLocker varies among government authorities and law enforcement agencies in India. While some entities mandate the presentation of virtual documents, others insist on original hard copies, leading to confusion and inconsistency in document review processes.