False Claims on Social Media About ‘Smart Passport Card’ For India

The widely shared picture is of a concept created by Siddhant Gupta, a UX designer currently residing in Finland.

Multiple claims of launch of new Indian passport smart cards were made on social media platforms.

(Photo: The Quint)

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CLAIM

Is India getting a new smart passport card to replace the current booklet format?

Many users on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook have shared posts claiming that India is getting a new smart passport card soon, calling it an 'All-In-One Identity solution’.

The post says, ‘The New Smart #passport concept, All-In-One Identity solution coming very soon. This project is executed by #tcs in India. Passport on a smart card. Awaited!’.

A Facebook page called Mission 2019 300+ also posted the same claim which had over 200 shares. The post said:

"The New Smart Passport Concept of future is here. The elegant All-In-One Identity solution for every Indian Citizen very soon.

There won’t be any stamp. It will be like debit/credit card. Swipe it and move out👇

#MeraDeshBadalRahaHai

(Pics used are for representative purpose)”

Can this 'all-in-one identity solution' be implemented practically in compliance with the existing set of guidelines and rules?

FACT

No, India is not getting a new ‘smart’ passport card. The picture shared by users on social media platforms is of the concept created by Siddhant Gupta, a UX designer currently residing in Finland.

Gupta came up with the idea in 2017 and told The Quint he has not yet pitched it to any authority in India, hence dismissing the viral claims made on social media.

“I have not approached anyone in India with the design yet.”

Siddhant Gupta to <b>The Quint</b>

“Passport card is a concept for future and right now the booklet cannot be replaced with it. The card can only compliment the booklet with the current set of guidelines.”

Siddhant Gupta

According to Gupta, a single multipurpose card would benefit India and its citizens more since not everyone in the country has or needs a passport.

Alt News had debunked this claim earlier.

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