The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had urges the general public not to share a photocopy of their Aadhaar card with any organization for fear of it being abused.
The Ministry of Electronics & IT gives a clarification regarding the advisory issued by UIDAI on May 29, 2022. It reads, “It is learned that it was issued by them in the context of an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar card. The release advised the people not to share photocopies of their Aadhaar with any organization because they can be misused. Alternatively, a mask Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number, can be used.
The citizens should share their Aadhaar details only with entities that have a “user license” from UIDAI.
UIDAI has also advised people to avoid downloading e-Aadhaar from a public computer at an internet café/kiosk. However, if this is done, all downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar should be permanently removed from that computer.
Only organizations with a secure User License from the UIDAI will have the permission to utilize Aadhaar to verify a person’s identification. Private enterprises, like hotels or movie theaters, are not permitted to acquire or maintain copies of Aadhaar cards.
It is a violation of the Aadhaar Act 2016. If a private entity requests to see your Aadhaar card or a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, please confirm that they have a valid UIDAI User License.
An aadhaar card, which displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, can also utilize for this purpose. It is available for download from the UIDAI’s official website, https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Select “Do you want a mask Aadhaar?” and then click “Download.”
You can easily validate any an Aadhaar number at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/verifyAadhaar. To verify offline, use the QR code scanner in the mAadhaar mobile application to scan the QR code on an e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar letter, or Aadhaar PVC card.
In 2018, the Supreme Court had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act
That essentially allowed private entities to collect citizens’ Aadhaar details.
While reading down the provision, the top court had called it “unconstitutional”.
Soon after the judgment, however, the UIDAI clarifies to banks that Aadhaar know-your-customer (KYC) can be access to authenticate beneficiaries of government subsidies and welfare schemes, paving the way for private banks to use the document to identify beneficiaries of government welfare schemes.
UIDAI issues Aadhaar cardholders are only advise to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers.
The Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder.
Thanks for reading!!
Also read: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II coming to Nintendo Switch on June 8
Also read: JioFi new recharge plans with up to 50GB data launched; check out details
