In a clear instance of backtracking on its earlier stance, the Government of India, on Sunday, issued a new statement on sharing of Aadhar details. Instead of going with the press release issued on May 27, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) now urges citizens to instead exercise “normal prudence” while using and sharing the numbers, saying the existing ecosystem provides enough privacy safeguards.
The advisory issued on Friday suggested the use of masked Aadhaar which displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number that can be downloaded from UIDAI’s official website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
The Ministry further briefed that the May 27 press release was issued in the context of a photoshopped Aadhar card.
However, on Sunday, the government recalled the same and issued a new directive instead. Fearing misinterpretation, the government has rowed back from a warning against sharing photocopies of Aadhaar cards with any organisation to avoid their misuse. It has urged citizens instead to exercise “normal prudence” while using and sharing the numbers, saying the existing ecosystem provides enough privacy safeguards.
“Please avoid using a public computer at an internet cafe/kiosk to download an e-Aadhaar. However, if you do so, please ensure that you delete all the downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar permanently from that computer,” added the release.
“Only those organizations that have obtained a User License from the UIDAI can use Aadhaar for establishing the identity of a person. Unlicensed private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar card. It is an offence under the Aadhaar Act 2016. If a private entity demands to see Aadhaar card or seeks a photocopy of Aadhaar card, please verify that they have a valid User License from the UIDAI,” it added.
Also Read: CAG Report Critical Of Aadhar’s “Deficient Data Management”
