Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

With the recent happenings of the UIDAI chief on the controversy of Aadhaar security, the UIDAI has taken several steps to curb personal and important information from getting leaked. Previously the information was circulated around by the body that people shouldn’t be posting their Aadhar number online. Now, it has strictly reiterated the statement by emphasising that Aadhaar needs to be treated like one’s PAN number and Account number.

The Aadhaar has recently entered a two-layered security for Aadhaar- the Aadhar Virtual ID and the UID token system which are actually ‘different forms of Aadhaar number’ and should be treated similarly to the one which is given in the cards. However, the authorities have stated that these unique identifications can be freely used for proving one’s identity and for transaction purposes, just like one gives bank account or other details for a specific purpose.

“It is necessary to inform people that they should use Aadhaar freely, without fear, and a detailed FAQ (frequently asked questions) will be issued,” Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

Virtual ID gives an Aadhaar holder an option of not sharing his Aadhaar number, while UID token system avoids creation of parallel databases of people by companies and government departments. The debate regarding privacy has especially been emphasized upon after UIDAI chief R.S. Sharma publicly posted his Aadhar details in Twitter. This had led several to question the privacy of the information which is being entrusted to the government. Eventually, the UIDAI helpline number had also entered the phone books of the citizens which has led to questioning of if at the data is safe or not.

Now with the two-layered security system, the UIDAI had given the banks and government departments to upgrade their systems to process the Virtual ID as an alternate to Aadhaar numbers till August. Also, a circular had been circulated in the month of May letting only a few agencies, like the AUA’s that will be provided access to limited e-KYC authentication using the Virtual ID and UID Token in lieu of the Aadhaar number.

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